REESE    LIBRARY 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
CALIFORNIA 


ERSITY  OF  CALIFORNI 


SCIENCES    Deceived  MAR  13  1893        18 

LIBRARY 

No.  Class 


MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 


MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 


EASY  METHODS  OF  IDENTIFYING  MINERALS, 
INCLUDING  ORES, 


BY  MEANS  OF  THE  BLOWPIPE,  BY  FLAME  REACTIONS, 

BY  THE  SPECTROSCOPE,  AND  BY  HUMID 

CHEMICAL  ANALYSIS, 


BASED  ON  PROF.  VON  KOBELL'S  TABLES  FOR  THE 
DETERMINATION  OF  MINERALS. 


WITH  AN  INTRODUCTION  TO  MODERN  CHEMISTRY, 


BY 

HENRI  ERNI,  A.M.,  M.D., 

LATE  PROFESSOR  OF  CHEMISTRY,  SO^ME'TIME  CHIEF  CHEMIST  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 
DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE. 


SKCOND    EDITION,  REVISED    AND    ENLARGED. 


ILLUSTRATED  BY  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-ONE  ENGRAVINGS 


PHILADELPHIA  : 
CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO., 

INDUSTRIAL  PUBLISHERS,  BOOKSELLERS,  AND  IMPORTERS, 

810  WALNUT  STREET. 
LONDON  :   E.  &  P.  N.  8PON,  125  STRAND. 

188o. 


EARTH 

SCIENCES 

LIBRARY 


COPYRIGHT  BY 

HENRY  CAREY  BAIKD  &  CO. 
1885. 


COLLINS,    PRINTER. 


PUBLISHERS'   PREFACE. 


THE  favor  with  which  the  former  edition  of  Dr. 
Erni's  Mineralogy  Simplified  was  received  induced  the 
publishers  some  time  since  to  request  the  author  to 
prepare  a  new  edition,  which  should  bring  the  subject 
down  to  the  present  time.  This  he  has  done  with  his 
accustomed  thoroughness. 

He  has  retained,  in  the  present  edition,  the  admira- 
ble system  of  classifying  and  determining  the  mineral 
species  established  by  von  Kobell,  which  is  universally 
conceded  by  mineralogists  to  be  the  most  trustworthy, 
serviceable,  and  practical  for  the  purposes  of  experi- 
mental study. 

Professor  Erni  introduces  the  subject  of  Determina- 
tive Mineralogy  with  a  series  of  chapters  embracing 
the  principles  of  modern  chemistry,  descriptions  of  the 
apparatus  employed,  with  practical  instructions  as  to 
the  mode  of  using  it,  with  special  reference  as  to  the 
proper  use  of  the  blowpipe,  and  an  exhaustive  and 
lucid  description  of  the  reactions  by  which  the  various 
chemical  substances  may  be  recognized. 

1* 


VI  PUBLISHERS      PREFACE. 

To  the  student,  the  amateur  mineralogist,  the  civil 
engineer,  the  miner,  the  prospector,  and  all  others  to 
whom  a  knowledge  of  mineralogy  may  be  serviceable, 
the  book  can  be  recommended  as  a  most  valuable 
guide. 

The  lamented  death  of  Dr.  Erni,  which  occurred 
while  the  present  edition  was  passing  through  the 
press,  necessitated  the  publishers  to  place  the  correc- 
tion of  the  proof-sheet  in  other  hands.  They  secured 
for  this  important  work  the  services  of  a  competent 
critic ;  and  they  believe  that  he  has  performed  the  duty 
in  a  thoroughly  satisfactory  manner. 

PHILADELPHIA,  October  1,  1885. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 
CHAPTER  T. 

CHEMICAL  PHILOSOPHY. 

PAGE 

The   New   or  Unitary  System  of  Chemistry,  or  Substitution 
Theory  ;  Berzelian  Theory  ;  The  older  Berzelian  or  Electro- 
Chemical  Theory  founded  upon  Dualism,  and  known  as  the 
Binary  Theory    .          .          .          .          ...          ,         .         .25 

The  discovery   of  substitution  by  Dumas  and  others  ;    Gay- 
Lussac's  law  of  Combination  by  Volume     ..          .         .          .26 

Avogadro's  law 27 

Changes  of  Notation  in  the  New  Chemical  System  ;  Acids  and 

Halogens 28 

Acids;    Oxygen    Acids;    Sulphur   Acids;    Hydrogen  Acids; 
Oxacids  ;   Hydracids  ;  Hydroxyl  Acids        ....       29 

The  Hydrogen  Acids  ;  Sulphur  Acids  ;  Oxygen  Bases  ;  Bases       30 
Hydrates  and  Oxides  of  Metals       ......       31 

Salts;    Normal    (Neutral)    Salts;     Acid    Salts;    Basic    Salts       32 
Acid  Salts  ;  Basic  Salts;  Double  Salts;   Quantivalence ;  Va- 
lence, or  Atomicity  of  Elements          .....       33 

Indices  of  Valence,  .Bonds  of  Attraction  or  Linking  of  Atoms; 

Varying  Valence  in  the  same  element ;  Gerhardt's  Residues       34 
Tables  of  Atomic  Weights  of  the  elements  according  to  the  New 

System 30 

CHAPTER  II. 

AUXILIARY  APPARATUS  AND  MANIPULATIONS  IN  THE 
LABORATORY. 

Pulverization 38 

Solution  and  Carbon  Dioxide  (CO2)  Test        ....       40 
Precipitation  and  Decantation 41 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Filtration        .          .          .          .          .         .          .          •         .          .43 

Washing  Precipitates 45 

Evaporation  ..........  46 

Porcelain  Dishes  and  Crucibles ;    Platinum  Apparatus ;    Cru- 
cibles, Dishes,  or  Capsules  .......  48 

Crucible  Tongs       .          .         .  .          .          .          .         .49 

Corks 50 

Sand-bath;   Wire  Gauze;  Triangular  Supports  for  Crucibles  .  51 

Fletcher's  Burners 53 

Foot  Blowers 55 

Bending  and  Closing  Glass  Tubes   ......  56 

CHAPTER  III. 

PREPARATION  OF  REAGENTS    MOST    FREQUENTLY    REQUIRED  FOR 
ANALYSIS  IN  THE  WET  WAY. 

Chemically  Pure  Water,  H2O 59 

Testing  Water 62 

Preparation  of  Test  Papers ;  Blue  Litmus  Paper ;  Reddened 

Litmus  Paper ;  Turmeric  Paper  .....  63 
Hydric  Sulphide ;  Sulphohydric  Acid ;  Sulphuretted  Hydrogen, 

H2S   .         .         .         .                   .                                      .         .  64 

Sulphide  of  Ammonium  (NH4)2S  ;  Hydrofluoric  Acid,  HF1.  66 
Wet  Reagents  generally.  Water,  H2O  .  .  .  .67 

CHAPTER  IV. 

BLOWPIPE  ANALYSIS  AND  APPARATUS. 

The  Mouth  Blowpipe     .         .         .         .         .         .         -»•'..  69 

Using  the  Blowpipe .  •   .         .         .  71 

The  Blowpipe  Flame     .         .         .         %         ..       .         .         .  72 

Supports  for  the  Assay.     Charcoal           .....  75 

Porcelain  Supporters  ;  Aluminium  Plate  as  a  support  in  Blow- 
pipe Analysis      ....                   ....  76 

Fuel  Lamps,  Stearine  Candles,  Olive  Oil        ....  78 

Solid  Fats  ;  Lamps  filled  with  solid  fats,  such  as  Tallow,  Paraf- 

fine,  etc.     .         . 80 

Illuminating  Gas  ;  Fixed  Blowpipe  and  Blast  Lamps       .         .  81 

Automaton  Blowpipes ;  The  Automaton  Hand  Blowpipe        .  84 

Fletcher's  Improved  Mouth  Blowpipe     .         .         ...  85 


CONTENTS.  ix 

PAGE 

Fletcher's  Hot-blast  Blowpipe, 86 

Platinum    Apparatus    and    Appliances;    Platinum  Wire    and 

Spoons 87 

Forceps  with  Platinum  Points;  Tubes  of  Hard  Glass  free  from 

Lead  .          .     - 88 

Closed  Tubes  and  Glass  Bulb  Tubes  or  Matrasses,  etc.  ;  Cut- 
ting Pliers;  Steel  Magnet ;  Magnetic  Needle;  Blowpipe  Re- 
agents   89 

Preliminary  Tests  of  Inorganic  Solid  Substances     ...       91 

CHAPTER  V. 

REACTION  OF  OXIDES  WITH  GENERAL  REAGENTS. 

Behavior  of  Metallic  Oxides  with  Borax          ....       94 
Behavior  of  Metallic  Oxides  with  Salt  of  Phosphorus       .          .        95 
Examination  of  Minerals  with  Soda         .....       9G 
Examination  of  Metals  with  Sodium  Thiosulphate  (hyposul- 
phite of  sodium),  Na,S2O3 98 

Tabular  Arrangement  showing  the  behavior  of  Oxides  when 
treated  before  the  Blowpipe  with  Sodium  Thiosulphate,  to- 
gether with  their  Reactions  with  Borax  ;   Examination  with 
Acid  Potassium  Sulphate  or  Concentrated  Sulphuric  Acid    .       99 
A  Colored  Gas  Evolved;   A  Colorless  Odorous  Gas  Evolved    .     100 
A  Colorless  and  Odorless  Gas  Evolved  ;  Examination  with  Zinc 
and  Hydrochloric  Acid,  after  previous  decomposition  (fusion) 
of  the  mineral     .........     101 

Examination  with  Cobalt  Solution  .          .          .         .         .102 

Table  of  the  more  definite  Colorations  caused  by  Cobalt  solution     103 

CHAPTER  VI. 

COLORED  FLAMES,  FLAME  REACTIONS,  AND  SPECTRUM  ANALYSIS. 

Examination  of  the  Assay  in  the  Platinum  Forceps  for  Flame 

Coloration        .........  103 

Table  of  the  more  definite  Colorations     .....  104 

Apparatus;   Experiments        .......  105 

Colors  of  the  Flames  produced  with  different  absorptive  media ; 

A  Blue,  a  Violet,  a  Red,  and  a  Green  Glass         .         .         .106 
Colors  given  by  the  Flame  of  Bunsen's  Burner ;  Testing  Chemi- 
cal Mixtures;   Acids    .                   107 

Alkalies  108 


X  CONTENTS. 

I' AGE 

Alkaline  Earths ;  Copper 110 

Bunsen's  Flame  Reactions  ;  Bunsen's  Gas  Lamp     .         .         .111 
Apparatus  and  Method  employed  for  submitting  Test  substances 
to  the  Flame ;  Behavior  of  the  Elements  at  High  Tempera- 
tures        ...         .  .         .         .         .         .         .112 

Reagents        ..       .         .         . .       .         .         .         -.         .         .115 

Methods  of  Examination  ;   Ignition  of  the  Elements  at  High 
Temperatures     .       .  .         .  .  .         .         .         .         .117 

Oxidation  and  Reduction  of  substances ;  Incrustations  or  Coat- 
ings on  Porcelain         „         ,         .         .         «         .          .          .118 
General  Review  of  Flame  Reactions     '.         .         .    .     .         .     120 

Table  of  Volatile  Elements  which  can  be  reduced  as  Films 
or  Coatings  on  Porcelain,  arranged  according  to  their  Re- 
actions ;   Reducible  to  Metals,  but  yielding  no  Incrustations  ; 
Iron  Compounds          .         .         .  •       .         .         .      -  .         .      121 
Nickel   Compounds;    Cobalt    Compounds;     Palladium    Com- 
pounds       .         .         .         .         .          ....         .122 

Platinum  Compounds  ;  Iridium  Compounds ;    Rhodium  Com- 
pounds ;    Osmium   Compounds ;    Gold  Compounds ;    Silver 
Compounds         •„  .         .         .          .          .         .          .123 

Copper  Compounds  ;    Tin   Compounds ;    Elements  which  can 
best  be  recognized  from  the  Reactions  of  their  Compounds  ; 
Molybdenum       .-        ...          .          .         V        .          .     124 

Tungsten  (Wolfcamium)  Compounds  ;  Titanium  Compounds ; 
Tantalum  and  Niobium  Compounds  ;  Chromium  Compounds ; 
Vanadium  Compounds         .          .         .          .         .          .     ;    .      125 

Manganese  Compounds ;  Uranium  Compounds  ;   Silicic  Com- 
pounds;  Phosphorus  Compounds          .          .          .          .          .     12G 

Sulphur  Compounds        .          .         .          .          .          .          ...      127 

Spectrum  Analysis  .          .          .         .          .          .         .          .127 

Spark  Spectra ;   Spectra  of  Permanent  Gases  *•,        •         •     131 

Spectrum  Lines  of  the  most  important  Flame-Coloring  Elements     133 
Solar  and  Stellar  Chemistry    .          .          .         .          .          .          .134 

Stellar  Chemistry  .       :.  . 136 

Spectroscope  .          .         .          .         .          .          .     "    .'         .     137 

Measuring  the  Spectrum          .         .         .         .         .         .         .138 


CONTKNTS.  XI 


CHAPTER  VII. 

SPECIAL  METHODS  FOR  DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS,  OR  SOME 
OF  THEIR  COMBINATIONS  WHEN  PRESENT  IN  COMPLEX  CHEMI- 
CAL COMPOUNDS. 

PAGE 

Alumina          .  .          .  .          .         .         .          .     139 

Ammonia       ..........     140 

Antimony       .          .          ..         .          .          .         .          .          .141 

Arsenic  .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .      144 

Arsenic  Spots ;   Antimony  Spots     .         .         .         .         .         .     145 

Arsenic  Mirror ;  Antimony  Mirror          .         .         .  .     146 

Apparatus  for  Marsh's  Tests  .         .         .         .         .         .         .147 

Test  for  Arsenic  in  Minerals  containing  no  Sulphur,  as  Whit- 
ney ite          . 148 

Baryta;   Bismuth 150 

Boric  (Boracic)  Acid 151 

Cadmium        .          .          .          .          .          .          .         .          .         .153 

Carbon 154 

Cerium  .          .          .          .          .         .          .          .          .          .155 

Chlorine 156 

Chromium      .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .157 

Cobalt '--'.          .      150 

Columbium  or  Niobium ;   Copper    .          .          .          .         .          .160 

Didymium 162 

Erbium ;  Fluorine  .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .163 

(ilucina  .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .         .          .164 

Gold H55 

Iodine;  Iridium     .          .          .         .          .          .          .          .          .166 

Iron 167 

Lead 170 

Lime     .          .          .          .          .  .          .          .          .          .171 

Lithia 172 

Magnesia        .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .         .          .      1 73 

Deportment  of  the  Alkaline  Carbonates,   with    the   Alkaline 

Earths 174 

Manganese 175 

Mercury  and  Amalgams  .          .         .          .          .          .          .177 

Molybdenum 178 

Nickel 180 

Nitric  Acid  (Nitrates)    ...  .181 


XI 1  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Palladium       ........  132 

Phosphoric  Acid  or  Phosphates  (Platinum)     .          .          .          .183 

Potassium;  Rhodium 184 

Rubidium  ;  Ruthenium  ;   Selenium  and  Seleniurets  ;   Silicium, 

Silicon,  or  the  oxide,  Silica          .          .          .          .          .          .185 

Silver 186 

Sodium  ........  188 

Strontium;   Sulphur       .          . 189 

Tantalum;  Tellurium     ......  191 

Tin        •  .  192 

Separation  of  As,  Sb,  Sn  194 
Titanium;  Tungsten  (Wolfram ram)        .         .         ,         .         .195 

Uranium   ' 197 

Uranates ;  Vanadium     ....  199 

Yttrium          ......  200 

Zinc       . 201 

Zirconia         ...         .  .         .         .  202 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

FUSING  AND  FLUXING. 

Deflagration.     On  the  Use  and  Preservation  of  Platinum  Vessels     205 


PART  II. 

DETERMINATIVE    MINERALOGY. 
CHAPTER  IX. 

ON  THE  DETERMINATION  OF  MINERALS  BY  MEANS  OF  SIMPLE  EX- 
PERIMENTS  WITH  A  BLOWPIPE  AIDED  BY  HUMID  ANALYSIS. 

Introduction  to  the  Tables 207 

Lustre  of  the  Mineral     .  .         .         .         .         .         .208 

Physical  Properties  of  Minerals  ;  Lustre  ;   Fusibility        .         .     209 

Hardness;  Color 210 

Streak;   Specific  gravity         . 211 

Professor  Jolly's  Spring  Balance  for  determining  the  specific 
gravity  of  Minerals      .         .         .  .         .         .         .214 


CONTENTS.  XI II 

PAGE 

Pyro-electricity 216 

Optical  Investigation  of  Minerals  ;   Crystallization  .          .         .217 

Systems  of  Crystallization  ;  Names  used  by  different  Authors  .  218 
Chemical  Properties  of  Minerals ;   Preliminary  proceedings  for 

Testing  and  Properly  Classifying  them  ;   Example        .          .  219 

Testing  for  Water  . 220 

Decomposition  by  Acids          .         .         .  .         .         .  221 

Example ;  Mineral  species  selected  by  von  Kobell  for  the  study 

of  Determinative  Mineralogy        ......  222 

French  Weights  and  Measures         ......  223 

Relations  of  the  Scales  of  the  Thermometers  of  Celsius  (Centi- 
grade), Reaumur,  and  Fahrenheit 224 

KKY  TO  THE  GENERAL  CLASSIFICATION  oil  SYNOPSIS  OF 

THE  TABLES '  .226 

Group  I.  Minerals  with  Metallic  Lustre       ....     226 
Group  II.  Minerals  without  Metallic  Lustre         .  227 

Group  I.  Minerals  with  Metallic  Lustre  ....     230 

Class  I.  Native  Malleable  Metals  and  Mercury    .         .         .     230 
Maldonite ;  Native  Silver ;  Native  Gold        .         .  230 

Native  Copper  ;  Native  Lead  ;  Native  Platinum  ;  Palla- 
dium ;   Native  Iron  ;   Native  Mercury        .          .          .231 
Class  II.  Fusibility  from  1-5  or  Easily  Volatilized       .          .     232 
Division  1 .  B.  B.  on  Coal  Evolve  the  strong  Odor  of  Arsenic     232 
Native  Arsenic  ;    Binnite  ;    Arsonomelane  ;    Jordanite  ; 
Dufienoysite  ;     Tennantite ;     Polybasite  ;    Enargite  ; 

Rionite ;   Domeykite 232 

Rionite  ;  Enargite  ;  Dufrenoysite  ;  Tennantite  ;  Domey- 
kite ;  Algodonite  ;  Whitneyite  ;  Smaltite  ;  Skutteru- 

dite;  Cobaltite 233 

Glaucodot ;   Alloclasite          ......     234 

Niccolite  ;  Cloanthite  ;    Gersdoiflite  ;    Corynite  ;    Wolf- 
achite ;   Arsenopyrite         ......     235 

Division  2.   B.  B.  on  Coal,  or  in  open  Glass  Tube,  Evolve 

the  strong  Horseradish  Odor  of  Selenium  .         .     236 

Guanajuatite  (Frenzelite)  ;  Tiemannitc  ;  Lehrbachite  ; 
Guadalcazarite  .  .          .          .         .          .     236 

C  lausthalite  ;  Naumannite ;  Berzelianitc  (Seleniuret  of 
Copper)  ;  Raphanosmite  (Seleniuret  of  Copper  and 
2 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Lead)  ;  Eucairite  (Seleniuret  of  Silver  and  Copper)  ; 

Crookesite 237 

Division  3.  B.  B.  on  Coal  yield  a  whitish  deposit,  which 
colors  the  reducing  flame  Greenish  or  Greenish-blue. 
Impart  to  concentrated  Sulphuric  Acid,  when  gently 
heated  with  it  in  a  Test-tube,  a  Purple-red  or  Hya- 
cinthine  color,  which,  upon  the  addition  of  water,  dis- 
appears, while  a  Blackish-gray  precipitate  forms         .     238 
Native  Tellurium  ;  Melonite  ;  Hessite  ;   Altaite    .         .     238 
Muelleritc    (aurotellurite) ;    Tetradymite    (Telluret    of 
Bismuth);   Sylvanite ;   Nagyagite         ....     239 
Division  4.    B.  B.  on  Charcoal  evolve  copious  fumes  of 

Antimony 240 

Native  Antimony  ; '  Stibnite  ;    Zinkenite  ;  Jamesonite  ; 
Bournonite       ........     240 

Stylotypite  ;   -Zinkenite;     Boulangerite  ;     Geocronite ; 
Kilbrickenite  ;  Plagionite  ;  Meneghinite  ;  Dyscrasite; 
Stephanite  ;  Tetrahedrite ;   Antimonfahlerz       .          .     241 
Miarygyrite ;  Brogniardite ;  Freieslebenite ;  Diaphorite  ; 

Spaniolite;  Chalcostibite  .          .         .          .          .     242 

Ullmannite ;  Breithauptite ;  Berthierite        .         .         .     243 

Division  5.  Heated  in  an  open  Glass-tube  give  Sulphurous 

Acid,  which  reddens  a  strip  of  moistened  Blue  Litmus 

Paper  placed  in  the  end.    B.  B.  with  Soda  give  Hepar, 

without  presenting  the  general  characters  mentioned 

in  the  preceding  numbers 243 

Argentite  ;  Jalpaite  ;  Acanthite 243 

Alabandite ;  Hauerite  ;  Cinnabar ;  Galenite ;  Cupro- 
plumbite  ;  Huascolite ;  Chalcocite  ;  Stromeyerite ; 
Wittichenite ;  Stannine  ;  Chalcopyrite ;  Cuban  ;  Born- 

ite 244 

Belonite ;   Saynite ;  Cuproplumbite  ;  Pentlandite          .     245 
Chalcosite  ;  Carmenite;  Digenite  ;  Cupreine  ;  Millerite; 

Linneite;  Pyrite .     246 

Pyrrothite;   Sternbergite 247 

Bismuthinite         .          .          .          .         .          .          .         .248 

Division  6.   Not  belonging  to  the  preceding  divisions         .     248 
Amalgam;  Metacinnabarite ;  Bismuth  .          .          .248 

Kabdionite;  Haematite ;  Cuprite;  Magnetite;  Horton- 
olite ;  Roepperite  ;  Fayalite  ;  Wolframite  .  .  249 


CONTENTS.  XV 

PAGE 

Black  Silicate  ot  Manganese  ;    Psilomelane  ;   Lievrite  ; 

Allanite;   Plattnerite;   Samarskite    .          .          .          .250 

Class  III.   Infusible,  or  Fusibility  above  5,  and  N  on- volatile     251 
Division  1.   B.  B.  impart,  in  ever  so  small  a  quantity,  to 
the  Borax  Bead  in  the  Oxidizing  Flame  an  Amethys- 
tine color  of  Manganese    .         .  .     251 
Lithiophorite  ;     Crednerite  ;    Braunite  ;    Hausmannite  ; 
Manganite         .          .          .          .          .          .          •          '251 

Psilomelane ;  Pyrolusite       .  .  .     252 

Division  2.   Are  Magnetic,  or  B.  B.  when  heated  on  Char- 
coal perseveringly  in  the  R.  Fl.  become  so         .          .     252 
Lolingite;  Arsenopyrite  ;  Himnatite  ;  Franklinite  ;  Mag- 
netite ;  Jacobsite      ....  .252 

Magnoferrite  ;  Menaccanite  ;  Limonite  ;   Sphalerite      .     253 
Division  3.   Not  included,  but  in  some  respects  related  to, 

the  preceding 254 

'   Chromite  ;  Ferroilmenitc  ;  Molybdenite  ;  Graphite  ;  Per- 

ofskite      ...  .254 

Iridosimine  ;     Tantalite  ;     Columbite  ;     Yttrotantalite ; 

Uranite    .........     255 

Group  II.  Minerals  without  Metallic  Lustre    .         .         .         .     256 

Class  I.  Easily  Volatile  or  Combustible        ....     256 

Native  Sulphur  ;    Realgar  ;    Orpiment ;  Arsenite  ; 
Valentinite  ;  Kermesite  ;  Senarmontite  ;  Sal  Am- 
moniac ;  Mascagnite  .         .         .         .         .     256 

Cinnabar  ;   Calomel ;   Cotunnite     ....     257 

Class  II.  Fuse  easily  between  1  and  5,  and  Volatilize  only 

partially  or  not  at  all  .....     258 

Part  A.  B.  B.  Fused  with  Soda  on  Charcoal  yield  a  metal- 
lic globule,  or,  fused  alone  in  the  R.  F.,  form  a 
mass  which  acts  on  the  magnetic  needle       .         .     258 
Division  1.  B.  B.  yield  with  Soda,  or  Soda  and  Borax 
together,  a  silver  globule.   Those  decomposable  by 
Nitric  Acid  yield,  when  this  solution  is  treated 
with  Hydrochloric  Acid,  a  white  precipitate  of 
Chloride  of  Silver,  which  B.  B.  is  easily  reduced 
on  charcoal  to  metallic  silver       ....     258 

Proustite  ;  Pyrargyrite  ;  Xanthoconite  .         .         .     258 
Cerargyritc ;  lodyrite ;  Embolite ;   Selbite     .         .     259 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Division  2.  B.  B.  with  Soda  yield  a  lead  globule.  The 
compounds  of  this  Group  are  soluble  in  Nitric 
Acid ;  Zinc  precipitates  metallic  lead  from  the 
solution ;  Sulphuric  Acid  forms  a  heavy  white 
precipitate  of  Sulphate  of  Lead  .  .  .  2GO 

Bindheimite  ;  Nadorite  ;  Mimetite,  Hedyphane  ; 
Pyromorphite  .......  260 

Minium  ;  Crocoite  ;  Phoenicochroite,  Pl.onicite  ;  I)e- 
chenite  ;  Linarite  ;  Cerussite  ;  Lanarkite  ;  Phos- 
genite 2G1 

Leadhillite       Susannite  ;     Anglesite  ;     Wulfenite  ; 

Stolzitc  ;  Vauquelinite  ;  Vanadinite  ;  Eusynchite     262 

Descloizite  ;  Laxmannite  ;   Phosphochromite  .     2G3 

Division  3.  Moistened  with  Hydrochloric  Acid  they 
communicate  to  the  Blowpipe  Flame  a  transient 
blue  color;  with  Nitric  Acid,  form  a  sky-blue  or 
green  solution,  which  becomes  azure  blue  by  the 
addition  of  Ammonia  in  excess  .  .  .  263 

Section  i.  B.  B.  evolve  a  strong  arsenical  odor  (and 
generally  give  alone  on  coal  a  white,  brittle  me- 
tallic globule  of  arsenical  copper).  Are  of  a  green 
color  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  2G4 

Chenevixite  ;  Bayldonite  ;  Olivenite  ;  Abichite  ; 
Tyrolite ;  Chalcophyllite  ;  Conichalcite ;  Liro- 
conite  ........  264 

Euchroite ;  Erinite ;  Cornwallite  .         .         .265 

Section  ii.  B.  B.  evolve  no  arsenical  odor,  but  gener- 
ally give  alone  on  coal  a  malleable  globule  of  copper  265 

Atacamite;  Tallingite;  Percylite;  Nantokite;  Chal- 
canthite  ;  Brochantite 265 

Langite  ;  Pisanite  ;  Cuprite  ;  Black  Copper  ore  ; 
Tcnosite  ;  Malachite;  Azurite  ;  Mysorine  ;  Auri- 
chalcite;  Buratite 266 

Libethenite  ;   Lunnite  ;   Ehlite  ;  Tagilite  ;  Torbern- 

ite;  Volborthite 267 

Division  4.  B.  B.  impart  to  a  Borax  Bead  a  fine  sap- 
phire blue  color  (Cobalt)  268 

Erythrite  ;  Annabergite,  Nickelbluethe  ;  Hetero- 
genite  ........  268 


CONTENTS.  XV11 

PAGE 

Division  5.  Fused  B.  B.  in  the  forceps  or  on  coal  in  the 
reduction  flame,  yield  a  black  mass  which  acts 
upon  the  magnetic  needle  (this  includes  none  con- 
tained in  the  preceding  divisions)  .  •  268 
Section  i.  Evolve  when  fused  upon  coal  strong  arseni- 
cal odor  .  .  .  •  •  •  •  268 

Pitticite;  Pharmacosiderite ;   Scorodite  .     268 

Arseniosiderite ;  Morenosite  •     269 

Section  ii.  Soluble  in  HC1  without  perceptible  resi- 
due, and  without  gelatinizing.  (Evolve  B.  B.  no 
arsenical  odor  when  fused  on  Ch.)  .  .  •  269 

Ludwigite ;  Sussexite ;  Rabdionite ;  Pettkoite ;  Me- 
lanterite;  Botryogen  .  269 

Melanterite;  Coquimbite ;  Roemerite;  Jarosite ; 
Fibroferrite  ;  Copiapite  ;  Raimondite  ;  Pastreite; 
Carphosiderite  ;  Voltaite ;  Siderite  ;  Hureaulite ; 
Triplite  ...  •  270 

Sarcopside  ;  Triphylite  ;  Diadochite  ;  Vivianite  ; 
Dufrenite;  Cacoxenite  .  .271 

Beraunite;  Hematite    .  .272 

Section  iii.  With  hydrochloric  acid  form  a  jelly,  or  are 

decomposed  with  separation  of  silica  .         .272 

Cronstedtite  .         .         .  •         .272 

Chalcodite  ;  Voigtite  ;  Ekmannite  ;  Euralite  ;  Pa- 
lagonite  ;  Lievrite  ;  Allanite  ;  Fayalite ;  Horton- 
olite  ...  .273 

Knebelite;  RSpperite;  Pyrosmalite;  Astrophyllite; 

Lepidomelanc  ;  Allochroite  ;  Gillingite  ;  Xylotile     274 
Section  i  v.  Only  slightly  attacked  by  hydrochloric  acid     2  75 

Crocidolite;  Arfvedsonite ;  Glauconite ;  Selado- 
nite  ;  Acmite  ;  Babingtonite  ;  Almandite  ;  Wolf- 
ramite ;  Ferberite  .  .  .  .  .  .275 

Mcgabasite ;  Rhodonite;  Lepidolite      .  .276 

Division  6.  Not  included  in  the  foregoing  divisions        .     276 

Molybdite  ;    Eulytite  ;    Silicate  of  Bismuth  ;    Bis- 

mutite ;  Pucherite 276 

Part  B.  B.  B.  Fused  with  Soda  on  coal  yield  no  metallic 
globule,  or  fused  alone  in  the  R.  F.  do  not  act  on  . 
the  magnetic  needle  .  .         .         .277 

2* 


CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Division  1.  After  fusion  and  continued  ignition  on  coal 
in  the  forceps  or  the  platinum  spoon,  give  an  alka- 
line reaction,  turning  moistened  red  litmus  paper 
blue;  and  yellow  turmeric  paper  brown.  The 
assay  must  be  employed  in  splinters  and  not  in 
powder  form  «  .  ••'.-  .  .  .  .277 
Section  i.  In  water  easily  and  perfectly  soluble  .  .277 

Nitrate  of  Potassium ;  Nitratine;  Sodium  Carbon- 
ate ;  Thermonatrite  ;  Trona  or  Sesquicarbonate  of 
Sodium  .  ;  .  .  . .'  .  277 

Mirabilite  ;  Thenardite  ;  Aphthitalite  ;  Epsomite  ; 
Kalinite;  Tachhydrite  ......  278 

Carnallite;   Halite;   Borax'  .         .  .         •     279 

Section  ii.  Insoluble  in  water,  or  dissolving  with  dif- 
ficulty       .          .         >         .....     279 

Ulexite          .         .         .         .  I      .       ,.         .         .     279 

Gay-lussite  ;     Witherite  ;     Staffelite  ;     Anhydrite  ; 

Gypsum;  Polyhalite ;   Brongniartine  .'         .     280 

Anhydrite  and  Gypsum ;  Syngenite  ;  Barite  ;  Celes- 
tite ;  Fluorite ;  Cryolite ;  Pharmaeolite  .  .  281 

Chiolite  ;  '  Pachnolite  ;     Arksutite  ;     Chodneffite  ; 

Thomsenolitc  ;  Gearksutite ;  Cancrinite      .         .     282 
Division  2.   Soluble  in  Hydrochloric  Acid  ;  some  also  in 
water  without  perceptible  residue  ;  the  solution 
does  not  form  a  gelatinous  mass  -.         .         .      282 

Durangite  ;  Chondroarsenite ;  Trogerite  ;  Walpurg- 
ite  ;  Adamite  ;  Fauserite  ;  Tschermigite  ;  Kera- 
mohalite ;  Goslarite ;  Struvite  .  .  .  283 

Sassolite  ;  Boracite  ;  Stassfurthite  ;  Hydroboracitc ; 
Larderellite;  Sussexite  .  -.-.-.  .  284 

Liineburgite  ;  Alabandite  ;  Hauerite  ;  Wagnerite ; 
Apatite ;  Kjerulfine  ;  Brushite ;  Isoclasite ;  Am- 
blygonite  .......  285 

Hebronite ;   Autunite 286 

Division  3.   Are  entirely  soluble  in  Muriatic  Acid,  form- 
ing a  thick  jelly  upon  partial  evaporation    .         .     286 
Section  i.  B.  B.  in  a  matrass  afford  water          .-        .     286 

Datolite ;  Edingtonite  ;   Natrolite  ;   Scolecite          .     286 

Mesolite;  Phillipsite ;   Gismondite  ;  Ittnerite          .     287 


CONTENTS.  XIX 

PAGE 

Section  ii.   B.  B.  in  a  matrass  give  none,  or  only  traces 

of  water    .  .       .          .          .          •          •          •          •     287 

Tephorite ;   Helvite ;  Danalite       .  .     287 

Hauynite    (Hauyne)  ;    Lapis- Lazuli ;    Lasurstein; 
Nosite  ;  Scolopsite  ;  Socialite  ;  Eudialyte  ;  Wollas- 
tonite  ;  Nephelite       .  .     288 

Meionite;  Melilite ;  Barsowite ;  Tachylite    .         .     289 
Division  4.  Dissolve  in  Hydrochloric  Acid,  the  Silicic 

Acid  separating  without  forming  a  perfect  jelly  .     289 

Section  i.  B.  B.  in  a  matrass  afford  water  .     289 

Klipsteinite  '.  .289 

Apophyllite;  Pectolite ;  Okenite;  Analcite;  Pyro- 

sclerite  ;  Chonicrite ;  Jollyte      ....     290 

Vermiculite  ;  Jefferisite  ;  Mosandrite  ;  Catapleiite  ; 
Brewstrite  ;    Stilbite  ;    Hipostilbite  ;    Chabazite ; 
Prehnite    .....  .291 

Stilbite  ;  Mordenite ;  Sepiolite  ;  Deweylite  ;  Sorda- 

valite         .  .  .292 

Section  ii.  B.  B.  in  a  matrass  yield  no  water,  or  only 

a  trace 292 

Lapis- Lazuli ;   Cryophyllite  ;  Tachylite  .     292 

Schorlomite  ;  Wernerite  ;  Porcellanite  ;  Wohlerite ; 

Labradorite ;   Anorthite 293 

Grossularite            ...                                       .294 
Division  5.   Are  only  slightly  attacked  by  Hydrochloric 
Acid,  and  B.  B.  impart  to  borax  glass  the  deep 
amethystine  color  of  manganese           .         .         .     294 
Carpholite ;   Spessartite          .          .          .          .          .294 
Piedmontite ;   Rhodonite;   Richterite     .          .          .295 
Division  6.    Not  included  in  the   preceding    divisions. 
The  remaining  minerals  are  all  Silicates,  except 
Scheclite,  which  are  not  attacked,  or  are  imper- 
fectly decomposed  by  Hydrochloric  Acid    .         .     295 
Danburite;  Howlite ;   Scheelite     .                   .         .     295 
Lepidolite ;  Cookeite  ;  Thermophyllite  ;  Euphyllite  ; 
Margarite;     Emerylite ;      Muscovite;     Biotite  ; 
Gumbelite ;  Petalite ;   Spodumene      .                   .     296 
Castor;  Leucophanite  ;  Wilspnite  ;  Nohlite  ;  Dial- 
lage 297 


XXM  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Scheelite  ;  Cassiterite  ;  Octabedrite  ;   Brook ite  ;  ^Es- 

chynitc 324 

Euxenite ;  Pyroehlore  ;  Opal;  Xenotime          .         .  325 

Section  ii.   Hardness  7,  and  above  7      ....  325 

Quartz .325 

Tridymite  ;  Cordierite  ;   Staurotite ;  Beryl ;  Euclase  ; 

Fhenacite;   Zirconite 326 

Topaz  ;    Uwarowite  ;    Spinel ;    Pleonaste  ;    Gahnitc  ; 

Chlorospinel  .          .          .  '  .          .          .327 

Dysulite ;  Kreittonite       >         .     .    .         .         .         .328 

CARBON  GROUP    .... 328 

Diamond    .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .  328 

Mock  diamonds 330 

CHAPTER  X. 

CHARACTERISTIC  BEHAVIOR  OF  THE  MOST  IMPORTANT  ORES 
BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE  AND  WITH  SOLVENTS. 

Ores  of  Antimony            ........  331 

Native  Antimony;    Stibnite,  Gray  .Antimony,  Antimony  Sul- 
phide;  Berthierite ;  Kermesite   ......  331 

Ores  of  Arsenic      .........  332 

Native  Arsenic ;  Orpiment,  Yellow  Arsenic  Sulphide ;  Realgar, 

Red  Arsenic  Sulphide  ;   Arsenolite,  White  Arsenic       .         .  332 

Ores  of  Bismuth 333 

Native  Bismuth ;  Tetradymite ;  Bismutite      .         .          .          .  333 

Bismuthinite  ;   Bismite 334 

Ores  of  Chromium           ...         .          .          .          .          .  334 

Chromite  (Chromic  Iron)        .          .          .          .          .          .          .  334 

Daubreelite    .         . 335 

Ores  of  Cobalt 335 

Smaltite ;   Cobaltite         ........  335 

Linnaeite;   Erythrite  ;    Asbolite 336 

Ores  of  Copper 336 

Native  Copper .336 

Chalcopyrite  ;   Bornite  ;   Chalcocite  ;  Tetrahedrite            .          .  337 

Domeykite ;   Atacamite  ;   Cuprite 338 

Malachite  ;   Azurite  ;   Chalcanthite  ;    Olivenite         .          .          .  339 

Tyrolite ;  Chrysocolla 340 


CONTENTS.  XX111 

PAGE 

Ores  of  Gold,  Platinum,  Indium,  and  Palladium     .         .         .  341 

Native  Gold  ;   Calaverite 341 

Krennerite ;     Sylvanite,   or  Graphic    Tellurium;     Nagyagite ; 

Petzite  ;  Native  Platinum 342 

Platin-iridium  ;  Osmium  ;  Palladium  ;  Selenpalladite,  or  Allo- 

palladium  ;  Torpezite          .         .         .         .         .         .         .  343 

Ores  of  Iron 343 

Native  Iron  ;   Meteoric  Iron   .          .         .          .          .          .          .  344 

Limonite ;  Brown  Hematite ;  Brown  Ochre,  Yellow  Ochre  ; 

Brown  and  Yellow  Clay  Ironstone  ;  Bog  Iron  Ore;  Gothite; 

Turgite ;  Hematite     ........  345 

Specular  Iron  ;  Micaceous  Iron  ;  Red  Hematite;   Red  Ochre  ; 

Red  Chalk  ;  Jaspery  Clay-iron  ;  Clay  Ironstone  ;  Lenticular 

Argillaceous  Ore  ;  Martite  ;  Magnetite        ....  346 

Pyrite ;  Marcasite ;  Pyrrhotite  .  .         .         .         .         .347 

Arsenopyrite  ;  Danaite  ;  Scorodite  ;  Iron  Sinter;  Menaccanite  348 

Siderite;  Melanterite 349 

Vivianite ;   Franklinite             .......  350 

Ores  of  Lead          .                                     350 

Native  Lead ;  Galenite 350 

Bournonite     .          .                    .          .          .          .          .          .          .  351 

Cerussite ;   Anglesite ;  Minium  ;  Massicot        .  352 
Plumbogummite ;  Crocoite  ;  Vauquelinite  ;    Stolzite,   or  Lead 

Tungstate ;  Wulfenite         .         .         .         .         .         .         .353 

Lanarkite  ;  Leadhillite  ;  Phosgenite  ;  Pyromorphite        .         .354 

Ores  of  Manganese         .         . 354 

Pyrolusite  ;  Hausmannite ;  Braunite       .....  355 

Manganite  ;  Psilomelane  ;  AVad  ;  Lampaditc  ;  Rhodochrosite  356 

Rhodonite ;  Franklinite           .          .          .          .         .         .         .  357 

Ores  of  Mercury 357 

Native  Mercury ;  Native  Amalgam         .         .         .         .         .357 
Cerargyrite  ;     Cinnabar  ;     Metacinnabarite  ;     Guadalcazarite  ; 

Mercury  Iodide  ;  Tiemannite  ;  Coloradoite  ;  Magnolite        .  358 

Ores  of  Nickel .         .  359 

Nicolite  (Copper  Nickel ;  Arsenical  Nickel)  ;  Breithauptite  or 

Antimonial  Nickel ;  Gersdorffite  ;  Ullmannite      .         .         .359 

Grunanite ;  Millerite  ;    Zaratite ;   Annabergite         .         .         .  360 
Morenosite;  Lindackerite ;  Remingtonite  ;  Genthite;  Rottisite; 

Primetite ;   Alipite 361 


XXIV  CONTKNTS. 

PAGE 

Ores  of  Silver 3d 

Native  Silver *  .  .  .  .  3G1 

Argentite  ;  Acanthite  ;  Stromeyerite  ;  Sternbergite  ;  Naunum- 

nite ;  Cerargyrite 362 

Embolite ;  Bromyrite  ;  lodyrite ;  Hessite  .  .  .  .363 
Petzite  ;  Tapaltite  ;  Sylvanite  :  Eucairite  ;  Dyscrasite  ;  Pyrar- 

gyrite ;  Proustite         ........  364 

Stephanite  ;   Polybasite  ;  Miargyrite  ;   Brongniardite        .          .  365 

Polyargyrite  ;  Freieslebenite  ;  Pyrostilpnite    ....  366 

Ores  of  Tin             .........  366 

Cassiterite  (Tin  Ore,  Tin  Oxide)  ;  Stannite  ....  366 

Ores  of  Zinc'  . 367 

Zincite  ;  Red  Zinc  Ore  ;  Red  Zinc  Oxide  ;  Sphalerite  .  .  367 
Smithsonite ;  Calamine ;  Willemite  .  .  .  .  .068 


APPENDIX. 

Carbonaceous  Compounds       .          .          .          .          .         .          .369 

Graphite  (Plumbago)  ;   Anthracite;   Bituminous  Coal      .          .     36'J 
Brown  Coal ;  Asphaltum         .......     370 

Albertite ;  Grahamite ;   Amber        .          .          .          .         .          .371 

Elaterite  ;  Retim'te  or  Retinasphalt ;   Hatchettine  ;  Ozocerite       372 

Petroleum 372 

Petroleum  Benzine  ;  Coal-tar  Naphtha  or  Benzole  .         .     374 

Detection  of  small  quantities  of  Nitrogen  in  Organic  Compounds     375 

INDEX  377 


MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 


PART   I. 


CHAPTER  I. 

CHEMICAL  PHILOSOPHY. 

The  New  or  Unitary  System  of  Chemistry,  or  Substitution 
Theory. 

THIS  term  Gerhardt  applied  to  his  system  of  notation, 
based  on  the  reduction  of  all  formulae  to  one  common  standard, 
they  being  derived  one  from  the  other  by  substitution. 

BERZELIAN  THEORY. 

The  older  Berzelian  or  electro-chemical  theory  being  founded 
upon  dualism,  whence  it  is  also  known  as  binary  theory.  Ac- 
cording to  this  great  chemist,  each  chemical  combination,  how- 
ever complicated,  contained  two  integrant  parts — either  single 
or  compound — both  being  as  it  were  in  opposition  to  one  another. 
Chemical  affinity,*  or  attraction,  would  result  from  this  oppo- 
sition between  two  contrary  forces  always  striving  to  neutralize 
each  other,  and  these  opposing  forces,  controlling  all  chemical 

*  Not  to  be  confounded  with  quantivalence.  Affinity  is  the  force 
by  which  one  atom  attracts  another.  An  element  may  have  a  strong 
affinity  for  other  elements  and  yet  be  univalent.  Another  may  pos- 
sess ;i  weak  affinity  and  yet  be  quadrivalent.  Chlorine  has  a  strong 
affinity  for  hydrogen,  yet  they  both  are  univalent  elements. 

a 


26  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

phenomena,  were  assumed  to  be  of  an  electrical  nature. 
There  are  two  electric  fluids,  a  negative  and  a  positive  one, 
hence  every  compound  contained,  according  to  Berzelius,  an 
electro-positive  (basic,  basylic),  and  an  electro-negative  (acid) 
constituent. 

Thus  nitric  acid  was  represented  by  the  formula  N2O5H2O  ; 
it  was  a  combination  of  the  second  order,  nitric  acid  anhydride 
—  N2O6  forming  the  electro-negative,  water  =  H20,  the 
electro-positive  constituent. 

In  the  nitrate  salts  we  find  this  nitric  acid  united  to  an  oxide, 
e.  g.,  KO,N2O5.  Nitrate  of  potassa  (saltpetre).  To  halve  tire 
formula  N2O6,H20,  as  is  done  at  present,  viz.,  HNO3,  would  be 
like  attempting  to  destroy  the  very  foundation  of  the  old  BER- 

ZELIAN  THEORY. 

The  discovery  of  substitution  by  Dumas  and  others  struck 
a  death-blow  at  the  electrical  theory.  It  was  found  that  the 
most  opposite  elements,  like  chlorine  and  hydrogen,  could 
replace  one  another  in  a  compound  without  altering  its  chemi- 
cal nature,  or  its  characteristic  general  properties. 

Thus  in  the  marsh  gas=  CH4,  the  four  atoms  of  hydrogen 
can  gradually  be  substituted  by  chlorine,  so  that  the  following 
substitution  products  were  actually  obtained : 

CIVH4;  CIVH3C1;  CIVH2C12;  CIVHC13;   CIVC14. 

Gay-Lussac's  Law  of  Combination  by  Volume. 

If  Dalton  succeeded  in  placing  the  laws  of  chemical  com- 
bination on  a  firm  basis,  to  Gay-Lussac  belongs  the  honor  of 
having  discovered  the  law  regulating  the  combination  of  gases 
by  volume.  It  was  in  1805  that  Gay-Lussac  and  A.  Humboldt 
found,  by  actual  experiment,  that  1  volume  of  oxygen  gas 
unites  with  exactly  2  volumes  of  hydrogen,  to  form  2  volumes 
of  water-gas  or  steam. 

The  molecules*  of  compound  bodies  in  the  gaseous  state, 

*  A  molecule  is  the  smallest  particle  of  a  compound  or  element 
that  is  capable  of  existence  in  a  free  state.  Atoms  are  the  indivisible 


CHEMICAL    PHILOSOPHY.  27 

both  organic  and  inorganic,  with  a  few  exceptions,  probably 
only  apparent,  occupy  twice  the  volume  of  an  atom  of  hydro- 
gen. No  matter  what  may  be  the  number  of  atoms,  or  volumes, 
that  enter  into  the  compound,  they  all  become  condensed  into 
2  volumes,  thus  : 

1  volume  (1   atom)  of  hydrogen  and  1  volume  of  chlorine 
form  2  volumes  of  hydrochloric  acid  =  HC1. 

2  volumes  (2  atoms)  of  hydrogen  and  1  volume  of  oxygen 
form  2  volumes  of  water-gas  or  steam  =  H20. 

3  volumes  (3  atoms)  of  hydrogen  and  1  volume  of  nitrogen 
form  2  volumes  of  ammonia  =  H3N,  etc.  etc. 

Another  law,  enunciated  by  Gay-Lussac,  states  that  the 
weights  of  the  combining  volumes  of  the  gaseous  elements  bear 
a  simple  ratio  to  their  atomic  weights.  Thus,  taking  the  unit 
volume  of  hydrogen  gas  to  weigh  =  1,  as  the  lightest  sub- 
stance known,  we  find  that 

The  unit  volume  of  nitrogen  gas  weighs,    14.01 
"  "  oxygen     "          "          15. 9G 

"  "  chlorine    "          "         35.37 

"  "  bromine    "          "          79.70 

"  "  iodine       "          "        126.54 

and  these  numbers  are  identical  with  the  atomic  weights  of 
these  elements.  In  other  words,  nitrogen  is  14.01,  and  oxygen 
15.96  times  (nearly  16)  as  heavy  as  hydrogen,  etc.  etc. 

Avogadro's  Law. 

From  Gay-Lussac's  fundamental  law,  and  the  great  law  of 
Avogadro,  that  all  substances  in  the  condition  of  gases,  under 
like  circumstances  of  temperature  and  pressure,  contain  in 
equal  volumes  the  same  number  of  atoms,  it  follows  that  the 
formula  of  water  is  not  HO  as  formerly  expressed,  when  the 

constituents  of  molecules.  They  are  the  smallest  particles  that  can 
take  part  in  chemical  reactions,  and  most  of  them  are  incapable  of 
existence  in  the  free  state  but  are  found  in  combination  with  other 
atoms,  either  of  the  same  kind  or  of  different  kinds. 


28  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

combining  weight  of  oxygen  was  =8  (hydrogen  taken  as  unit 
=  1),  but  H2O,  whence  the  atomic  weight  of  oxygen  (that  of 
1  atom  =  1  volume  of  hydrogen  taken  as  1)  must  be  16. 

Changes  of  Notation  in  the  New  Chemical  System. 

The  following  changes,  induced  by  the  new  system  of  chem- 
istry, must  be  remembered  by  the  student. 

1.  The  doubling  of  all  the  atomic  weights,  except  those  of 
the   monad  or  univalent  elements   (H,  Cl,  K,  Na,  etc.),  and 
also  of  Bi,  As,  Sb,  N,  P,  and  Bo,  whose  oxides  are  now  written 
Bi2O3,  instead  of  Bi()3,  etc.  etc.    Corresponding  to  this  change 
of  binary  compounds,  involving  the  monad  elements,  as  in  the 
case  of  water  cited,  are  written  H2O  instead  of  HO,  Na2O  for 
NaO,  Na2S  for  NaS,  etc.;  also  CaCl2  instead  of  CaCl,  SiF4 
instead  of  SiF2,  etc. 

2.  The  method  of  viewing  the  composition  of  ternary  com- 
pounds.   (See  Acids  and  Salts.) 

The  name  "  acid,"  in  its  former  acceptation  and  significance, 
is  not  necessary,  if  not  absolutely  wrong  in  teaching  chemistry. 
Modern  chemistry  gives  the  following  definition  of  an  acid. 

].  Acids  and  Halogens,  viz.,  Chlorine,  Bromine,  Iodine, 
and  Fluorine. 

The  properties  which  characterize  acids  are  the  following  : — 

1.  They  have  an  acid  or  sour  taste. 

2.  They  turn  blue  litmus  red. 

3."  They  act  upon  metals,  hydrogen  being  evolved,  and  its 
place  being  taken  by  the  metals,  the  products  obtained  are 
called  SALTS.  For  instance  : 

2(HC1)     +      Zn     =     ZnCl2     +      2H. 

Hydrochloric  Zinc.  Zinc  Hydrogen, 

acid.  chloride. 

U2SO4     -f      Mn     ==     MnSO4     +      211. 

Sulphuric  Maiignne.se.          Manganese  Hydrogen, 

acid.  sulphate. 

4.  They  act  upon  metallic  hydroxides,  forming  neutral  sub- 
stances and  water,  as  follows  : 


HC1     +     KOH 

Hydrochloric         Potassium 
acid.                hydroxide. 

=     KC1     + 

Pofassium 
chloride. 

HN03 

Nitric  acid. 

+     NaOII 

Sodium 
hydroxide. 

=     NaNO3 

Sodium     • 
nitrate. 

H.SO,     - 

Sulphuric 
acid. 

h      Ca(OH), 

Calcium 
hydroxide. 

=     CaS04 

Calcium 

sulphate. 

CHEMICAL    PHILOSOPHY.  29 


H,0. 


H,0. 


2H2O. 


ACIDS  are  divided  into 

a.  OXYGEN  ACIDS. 

b.  SULPHUR  ACIDS,  and 

c.  HYDROGEN  ACTDS. 

An  acid  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  salt  of  hydrogen.  It  con- 
sists of  an  acid  radical  (either  simple  or  compound)  united 
with  hydrogen,  which  latter  can  be  exchanged  for  a  metal, 
this  being  then  the  formation  of  a  regular  salt.  The  hydrogen 
is  the  base  of  the  acid,  as  the  metal  is  the  base  of  the  salt. 
Sulphuric  acid,  for  instance,  is  sometimes  written  hydrogen 
sulphate  =  H2SO4. 

All  acids  contain  hydrogen. 

Oxacids  are  those  whose  radicals  contain  oxygen,  as  HNO3, 
nitric  acid. 

Hydracids  are  those  whose  radicals  contain  no  oxygen,  as 
HC1,  hydrochloric  acid,  H2S,  sulphydric  acid,  etc.  The  an- 
hydride of  an  oxacid  is  what  remains  after  removing  from  the 
acid  its  basic  hydrogen  and  enough  oxygen  to  form  water  with 
the  hydrogen.  The  anhydride  of  H2SO4  is  SO3.  That  of  car- 
bonic acid  =  H2CO3  is  CO2.  Acids  that  contain  but  1  atom 
of  basic  H  are  termed  monobasic,  as  HNO3  and  HC1 ;  those 
with  2  atoms  of  replaceable  hydrogen,  dibasic,  as  H28O4 ;  those 
with  3  atoms  H,  tribasic,  as  II3PO4  (phosphoric  acid)  ;  those 
with  4  atoms  H,  tetrabasic,  as  H4SiO4,  silicic  acid. 

HYDROXYL  ACIDS.  In  those  acids  which  consist  of  hydro- 
gen and  an  acid  or  negative  radical  of  greater  or  less  complexity, 
e.  y.,  HNO3,  H2SO4,  H3PO4  (oxygen  being  nearly  always  a 

3* 


30  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

constituent  of  said  radical,  sulphur  only  in  few  cases),  it  is  be- 
lieved that  their  radicals  are  united  to  hydrogen  by  means  of 
oxygen.  In  other  words,  the  oxacids  are  compounds  of  nega- 
tive radicals  with  hydroxyl  (OH).  They  are  acid  hydroxides. 
The  above-mentioned  acids  would  thus  have  the  formulae  : 

(NO,)'  (OH)  ;  (SO,)"  (OH),;  (PO)'"  (OH)3; 
or  still  more  definite, 

H-CK  /OH 

H— O— NO,,  \SO2;  PO— OH 

\OH 

THE  HYDROGEN  ACIDS  are  formed  by  the  combination  of 
tne  halogens  with  hydrogen.  They  neutralize  oxygen  bases 
with  formation  of  haloid  salts  and  water,  e.  </., 

Na,O     +      2HC1     =     2NaCl     +     H2O. 

Sodium  Hydrochloric  Sodium  Water. 

monoxide.  acid.  chloride. 

SULPHUR  ACIDS,  like  sulphydric  acid  =  H2S,  etc,,  are  hydro- 
gen acids  of  the  same  chemical  constitution.  They  combine 
with  sulphur  bases,  forming  sulphur  salts.  For  instance,  potas- 
sium hydrosulphide  =  K  S  H,  etc. 

OXYGEN  BASES  are  compounds  of  basic  (positive)  radicals 
with  hydroxyl.  In  its  relation  to  other  bodies  hydroxyl  is 
analogous  to  the  simple  halogen  radicals,  Cl,  Br,  I,  F. 

In  a  majority  of  cases  oxygen  acids  may  be  formed  by  the 
reaction  of  an  anhydride,  i.  e.,  an  oxide  of  an  electro-negative 
element  upon  water,  e.  </., 

N2O5     +     H3O     =     2(NO2OH) 

Nitric  pentoxide.       Water.  Nitric  acid. 

/OH 
SOS     +      H,0     =     SO,(OH),  or  SO  / 

Sulphur  teroxide.       Water.  Sulphuric  acid.  ^-OH. 

2.  BASES. 

Bases  have  properties  which  are  opposite  to  those  possessed 
by  acids.  Those  soluble  in  water  turn  reddened  litmus  paper 
blue,  and  yellow  turmeric  paper  brown.  They  all  contain 


HYDRATES  AND  OXIDES  OF  METALS. 


31 


oxygen  and  hydrogen,  and  these  elements  are  combined  as 
hydroxyl. 

The  oxygen  bases,  or  basic  hydroxides,  may  also  result  from 
the  action  of  an  oxide  of  an  electro-positive  body  upon  water. 
K2O         +         H2O  2KOH 

Potassium  monoxide.  Water.  Potassium  hydroxide. 

When  oxygen  acids  act  upon  metallic  oxides,  or  hydroxides, 
the  metal  of  the  latter  takes  the  place  of  hydrogen,  and  an 
oxygen  salt  is  formed,  while  at  the  same  time  water  is  pro- 
duced, e.  g., 

+     KOH     = 


NO2(OH) 


NOSOK 


H0O. 


Nitric  acid. 

Potassium 

Potassium 

Water. 

hydroxide. 

nitrate. 

S02(OH)2 

+     K,O     = 

SO,(OK)f     + 

H2O,  and 

Sulphuric 

Potassium 

Potassium 

Water. 

acid. 

monoxide. 

sulphate 

(normal  salt). 

S02(OH)2 

+     KOH     = 

on/OH 

SO*\OK     + 

H!O 

Sulphuric 

Potassium 

Hydrogen 

Water. 

acid. 

hydroxide. 

potassium 

sulphate  (acid  salt). 

S°2\OH     + 

7n/OH 
n\OH    : 

S°.<o/Zft    - 

h     2H20 

Sulphuric 

Zinc 

Zinc  sulphate 

Water. 

acid. 

hydroxide. 

(normal  salt). 

Zn/OH 

SO<OH     + 

2<Zn\OH) 

\      y~vv 
\   \J  \  o/^l 

=     Zn/°/       ! 

+    2H,0 

\OH 

Sulphuric  acid. 

Zinc  hydroxide. 

Zinc  sulphate 

Water. 

(basic  salt). 

HYDRATES  AND  OXIDES  OF  METALS. 

According  to  the  quantivalence  of  the  metals  with  which 
hydroxyl  is  combined,  we  have  bases  with  one,  two,  three,  etc., 
hydroxyl  groups  in  a  molecule,  e.  g., 

Na(OII),  sodium  hydroxide.  A1(OH)3,  aluminium  hydroxide. 
Ca(OH)2,  calcium  hydroxide.  Cr(OH)3,  chromium  hydroxide. 
Ba (OH),,  barium  hydroxide.  Fe(OH)6,  ferric  hydroxide. 


32  MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 

3.  SALTS. 

Compounds  formed  by  the  action  of  acids  upon  bases  are 
called  salts. 

According  to  the  new  system,  ternary  substances  are  no 
longer  regarded  as  compounds  of  an  "oxide"  and  a  so-called 
**  acid"  but  as  compounds,  for  the  most  part,  of  the  several 
elements  concerned,  and  hence  a  metal  in  a  salt  is  believed  to 
be  replaceable  by  another  metal,  and  not  an  oxide  by  another. 
The  discovery  of  salts  which  contained  neither  an  acid  nor  a 
basic  oxide,  but  only  two  single  radicals  like  the  common  salt 
=  NaCl,  was  sufficient  to  eventually  dispose  of  the  old  dualistic 


a.  NORMAL  (neutral)  SALTS  are  those  in  which  the  acid 
and  base  saturate  one  another,  in  which,  therefore,  all  the 
hydroxyls,  whether  of  acid  or  base,  are  eliminated  (in  the  form 
of  water),  and  the  acid  radical  remains  united  to  the  metal  by 
means  of  oxygen,  e.  g.,  potassium,  nitrate,  etc. 

b.  ACID  SALTS  are  those  which  retain  a  part  of  the  acid 
hydroxyl,  e.  g.,  hydrogen  potassium  sulphate. 

c.  BASIC  SALTS  are  those  in  which  a  part  of  the  hydroxyl 
of  the  base,  or  of  the  oxygen  of  the  positive  oxide,  remains  in 
combination,  e.  g..  basic  zinc  sulphate. 

The  common  form  of  sulphuric  acid  is  di-basic ;  sulphates 
may  therefore  be  acid,  normal,  or  double  salts.  Let  M  stand 
for  a  monad  metal,  and  they  may  be  represented  thus  graphi- 
cally : 

II\   ~0          M)    so  M|  M|   so 

H|   "°*         Hf  °°«         MJ  mj    "°« 

Acid.  Acid  salt.  Normal  salt.        Double  salt. 

Examples : 

a.  Normal  Salts. 

Potassium  chlorate,  KC1O3. 
Calcium  sulphate,  Ca"SO4. 
Bismuth  phosphate,  Bi'"PO4. 
Sodium  silicate,  Na2SiO3. 


SALTS.  33 

b.  Acid  Salts. 

Hydro-sodium  sulphite,  HNaSO3. 
Hydro-caesium  carbonate,  HCsCO3. 
Hydro-barium  phosphate,  HBaPO4. 
Hydro-cupric  silicate,  H2CuSiO4. 

c.  Basic  Salts. 

Lead  hydro-nitrate,  H(NO2)'PbO2. 
Copper  hydro-acetate,  H(Ac)/CuO2. 
Mercuric  hydro-iodite,  H(JO)'HgO2. 
Alumic  hydro-silicate,  H2SiIYAl2O6. 

d.  Double  Salts. 

Potassio-sodium  selenate,  KNaSe04. 
Sodio- calcium  antimonate,  NaCa/rSbO4. 
Bario-zincic  silicate,  Ba/rZnr/SiO4. 
Csesio-rubidic  carbonate,  Cs'RbrCO3. 

Quantivalence,  Valence,  or  Atomicity  of  Elements. 

Every  atom  of  an  element  has  an  inherent  power  of  holding 
in  combination  a  certain  number  of  other  atoms,  this  number 
being  dependent  upon  the  combining  power  of  the  atoms  held 
in  combination.  The  simplest  atoms  would  represent  the  unit 
of  this  power,  and  we  must  distinguish  between  these  simplest 
or  unit-atomicity  and  such  as  have  the  power  of  holding  in 
combination  two,  three,  four,  five,  or  more  unit-atoms. 

Bodies  whose  atomic  capacity  is 

One,  are  termed  Monads,  Monatomic,  Monadic,  or  Univalents. 
Two  "          Dyads,  Diatomic,  Dyadic,  or  Bivalent. 

Three         "         Triads,  Triatomic,  Triadic,  or  Trivalent. 
Four  "         Tetrads,  Tetratomic,  Tetradic,  or  Quadriva- 

lents. 
Five  "         Pentads,  Pentatomic,  Pendadic,  or  Quinqui- 

valents. 

Six  "         Hexads,  Hexatomic,  Hexadic,  or  Sexivalent. 

Seven        "         Heptads,  Heptatomic,  Heptadic,  or  Septiva- 

lent. 


34  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Elements  of  even  valency,  viz.,  the  dyads,  tetrads,  and  hex- 
ads,  are  also  included  under  the  general  term  artiads,  and  those 
of  uneven  valency,  viz.,  the  monads,  triads,  tetrads,  and  hex- 
ads  are  designated  as  perissads. 

4.  Indices  of  Valence,  Bonds  of  Attraction,  or  Linking  of 
Atoms. 

The  quantivalence  of  elements  maybe  expressed  in  different 
ways,  as  follows  : 

Monads.        Diads.          Triads.        Tetrads.       Pentads.       Hexads. 

H1          On          Nra         C1V  Nv          FeVI 


Instead  of  these  Roman  numbers  the  valency  is  expressed 
by  dashes,  e.  g.,  S",  Bi'",  8b'",  $n"".  In  chemical  formulas 
each  dash,  either  horizontal,  vertical,  or  inclined,  indicates  a 
"  bond"  or  unit  of  valence,  and  implies  chemical  combination 
between  the  atoms  or  groupings  whose  symbols  are  thus  con- 
nected. 

The  -f  sign  and  period  are  employed  to  express  "  molecular 
combination,"  i.  e.,  combination  not  amenable  to  the  generally 
received  quantivalence,  as  in  the  case  of  crystal  water. 

Varying  Valence  in  the  same  Element. 

Many  elements  are  not  limited  to  one  of  valence ;  thus 
nitrogen  may  act  either  as  a  trivalent  or  quinquivalent  body, 
etc.,  e.  g., 

Trivalent.  Quinquivalent. 

TT  TT 

H      H 

\N_C1. 


i 


Ammonia  gas.  Aimnonic  chloride. 

5.  GERHARDT'S  RESIDUES. 

Most  chemical  compounds  are  more  complicated  than  those 
we  have  been  hitherto  considering.  If  we  take  any  of  the 
following  formula?,  as,  for  instance, 


SALTS.  35 

/H  /^ 

H— Cl,  H— 0--H,  N_H,  and  C<! 

\      TT  \      -H- 

\H 

and  divide  them  at  any  part,  we  obtain  two  residues  of  equal 
valence,  e.  g.,  if  we  divide  H — Cl  we  obtain  H  arid  Cl,  both 
univalent ;  if  we  divide  H — O — H  (water)  we  obtain  H,  and 
the  univalent  residue  OH  (hydroxyl),  which  requires  an  uni- 
valent atom  to  saturate  it.  If  we  divide 

/H 

N— H,  we  obtain  H  and  NH2,  or  Ha  and  NH  ; 
\H 

by  the  former  division  there  are  left  two  univalent,  by  the  latter 

/H 

two  bivalent  factors.    If  we  divide  the  formula  C<^TT,   the  fol- 

\  L 
\H 

lowing  cases  are  possible  :  H  and  CH3,  H2and  CH2,  H3  and  CH ; 
leaving  in  the  first  case  two  univalent,  in  the  second  two  biva- 
lent, and  in  the  third  two  trivalent  residues.  If  we  abstract 
from  H3SO4  two  atoms  of  hydrogen,  we  obtain  a  residue  SO4, 
acting  like  a  bivalent  radical ;  again  by  taking  away  from  HNO3 
the  hydrogen,  the  residue  NO3  will  act  as  a  univalent  radical. 
The  residue  then  may  be  considered  as  a  radical  of  equal 
atomicity  as  the  sum  of  the  atoms  of  basic  hydrogen,  eliminated 
from  the  original  compound  radicals,  viz., 

'  HN03,  H2S04,  H3P04,  etc. 


36 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Table  of  Atomic  Weights  of  the  Elements  according  to  the 
New  System* 


Name. 


HYDROGEN 


Symbol  of  the  atoms, 

their  vale  nee  or 

atomicity. 


II 


Aluminium 

A1m,vi 

Antimony  (Stibium) 
Arsenic    .... 

Sb111'  v 
As"1-  v 

Barium     .          .          . 

Ba11 

Beryllium  or    . 
Glucinum 

Be11  or  m 
Gln  or  m 

Bismuth  .... 

Bi111'  v 

Boron       .... 
Bromine  . 

Bo111'  v 

grl,  III,  V,  VII 

Cadmium 

Cd" 

Caesium   .... 

Cs1 

Calcium  . 

Ca11 

Carbon     .... 

QIV,  II 

Cerium    .... 

Ce"-VI 

Chlorine  .... 

QI,  III,  V,  VII 

Chromium         . 

Criv,vi 

Cobalt      .... 

Co"'IV 

Columbium 

Cbv 

(Niobium)    . 
Copper  (Cuprum) 
Didymium 
Erbium    .... 

Nbv 
Cu" 
DiIV 
E" 

Fluorine  .... 

F1 

Gallium   .... 

GaIV 

Gold(Aurum). 
Hydrogen 

Au1-111       . 
H' 

Atomic  weights  or 

combining  weights. 

H  =  1. 


If 

27. 
120. 

75. 
137. 


208. 

11. 

80. 
112. 
133. 

40. 

12. 
141.2 

35.4 

52. 

59. 

94. 

63.2 
142.2 
166.0 

19. 

69. 

196. 

1. 


*  According  to  the  latest  determinations. 

f  The  lightest  of  the  elements,  or  the  unit  of  the  series 


TABLE  OF  ATOMIC  WEIGHTS. 


37 


Table  of  Atomic  Weights Continued. 


Name. 

Symbol  of  the  atoms, 
their  valence  or 
atomicity. 

Atomic  weights  or 
cotabiuing  weights. 
H  =  l. 

Indium     .... 

In111 

113.4 

Iodine      .... 

JI,  III,  V,  VII 

127. 

Iridiura    .... 

Jj.II,  IV,  VI 

193. 

Iron  (Ferrum). 
Lanthanum 

peii,  iv,  vi 
LaIV 

56. 
138. 

Lead  (Plumbum) 
Lithium  .          .          .          . 

Pbii,iv 
Li1 

207. 

7. 

Magnesium 
Manganese 
Mercury  (Hydrargyrum)  . 
Molybdenum    . 
Nickel      .... 

Mgn 

MnII,IY,YI,VII 

Hg 

MoVI 
Nin,iv 

24. 
55. 
200. 
96. 
58. 

Nitrogen. 
Osmium  .... 

^m,v 

QSII,  IV,  VI,  VIII 

14. 
195. 

Oxygen    .         . 
Palladium 

o11 

Pd«.  it,  vi 

16. 
106. 

Phosphorus 
Platinum           . 

pin,  v 

Pfll,  IV,  VI 

31. 
195. 

Potassium  (Kalium) 
Rhodium 

K1 

Rhn,iv,vi 

39. 
104. 

Rubidium 

Rb1 

85.5 

Ruthenium 

RUH,  IV,  VI,  VIII 

103.5 

Samarium 

Sm 

150. 

Scandium 

Sc 

44. 

Selenium 

Seii,iv,vi 

79. 

Silicon  (Silicium)     . 
Silver  (Argentum)    . 
Sodium  (Natrium)    . 
Strontium 

Siiy 
Ag1 
Na1 
Sr11 

28. 
108. 
23. 

87.5 

Sulphur   .... 
Tantalum 

gll,  IV,  VI 

Tav 

32. 

182. 

Tellurium 

Tgii,  iv,  vi 

125. 

Terbium 

Tb? 

p. 

Thallium 

Ti1-  m 

204. 

Thorium 

Thiv 

232. 

.Tin  (Stannum) 
Titanium 

SnIV 
Tiiv 

118. 
48. 

38 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Table  of  Atomic  Weights Concluded. 


Name. 

Symbol  of  the  atoms, 
their  valence  or 
atomicity. 

Atomic  weights  or 
combining  weights. 
II  =  1. 

Tungsten  (Wolframium)  . 

WIT 

184. 

Uranium  .... 

XJVI,  IV 

239. 

Vanadium 

yni,  v 

51. 

Ytterbium 

Ybm 

173. 

Yttrium   .... 

ym 

89. 

Zinc         .         .          . 

Zn11 

65. 

Zirconium 

ZiIV 

90. 

CHAPTER  II. 

AUXILIARY  APPARATUS  AND  MANIPULATIONS  IN  THE 
LABORATORY. 

1.  PULVERIZATION. 

Minerals  usually  require   preparation  for  the  blowpipe,  as 
for  solution,  by  pulverization.     They  may  be  broken  in  small 


'Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2. 


pieces  with  a  hammer,  and  then  crushed  in  a  diamond  steel 
mortar  (Fig.  1),  in  which  A  is  a  rim  removable  from  bottom 


PULVERIZATION. 


B.  Pestle  G  fits  the  rim  closely,  and  is  driven  by  a  heavy 
hammer  into  the  rim  upon  the  mineral.  If  repetition  of  this 
process  does  not  soon  prepare  the  mineral  for  the  blowpipe^ 
grinding  in  an  agate  mortar  (Fig.  3)  may  be  resorted  to,  as  is 
generally  necessary  for  solution. 

Fig.  3.  Fig.  4. 


Some  minerals  may  be  sufficiently  reduced  by  wrapping 
them  in  strong,  clean  paper,  and  giving  them  a  blow  with  a 
hammer,  taking  care  not  to  contract  any  impurity.  A  small 
jeweller's  steel  hammer  will  answer  for  blowpiping,  but  for 
trimming  minerals  and  for  geological  and  mining  purposes, 
larger  and  variously  shaped  steel  hammers  have  been  adopted 
and  are  sold. 

Fig.  4,  a,  6,  c,  G?,  represent  four  different  forms  of  hammers. 

«,  Freiberg's  pattern,  one  end  flat,  the  other  pointed. 

6,  Hutchinson's  form,  sharpened  on  both  ends  for  trimming. 

c,  von  Buch's  form,  one  end  flat  the  other  sharpened. 

c?,  Hausmann's  pattern,  botli  ends  sharpened. 


Fig.  5. 


Fig.  6. 


Anvil.     A  square,  flat  piece  of  hardened  steel  answers  well 
for  an  anvil. 


40 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Cutting  pliers  or  nippers  are  useful  for  cutting  off  small 
fragments  from  a  mineral  specimen. 

Magnets.  A  small  steel  bar  magnet  (Fig.  5),  and  a  small 
compass  (Fig.  6),  or  a  suspended  magnetic  needle  are  needed 
for  recognizing  magnetic  metals. 

Fig.  7. 


A  good  magnifying  glass  (Fig.  7)  is  useful  in  examining 
metallic  sublimations  or  deposits. 

2.  SOLUTION  AND  CARBONIC  DIOXIDE  (CO2)  TEST. 

In  qualitative  analysis  small  quantities  are  usually  employed, 
therefore  the  solution  of  solids  may  be  most  conveniently  con- 
ducted in  a  test-tube  which  can  be  readily  heated  over  an  alco- 
hol lamp  or  a  gas-burner.  Figs.  8  and  9  show  two  forms  of 


Fig.  8. 


Fig.  9. 


racks  with  test-tubes.  The  latter  has  an  attachment  for  filtra- 
tion. If,  in  dissolving  a  substance,  a  colorless  and  inodorous 
gas  is  evolved,  the  latter  may  be  carbonic  dioxide  (CO2),  and 
can  be  tested  in  the  following  simple  manner  :  During  evolution 
of  gas  in  tube  a  (Fig.  10),  the  lip  of  the  tube  may  be  brought 
upon  that  of  tube  5,  containing  clear  lime-water.  As  the  gas 


PRECIPITATION    AND    DECANTATION. 


41 


from  tube  a  flows  into  tube  6,  the  water  will  become  milky 
from  formation  of  calcium  carbonate  CaCO3. 


Fig.  10. 


Fig.  11. 


Fig.  12. 


Fig.  11  shows  a  metallic  test-tube  stand  with  test-tube ;  and 
Fig.  12  a  test-tube  holder  of  brass  with  wooden  handle,  both 
employed  for  heating  purposes. 

3.  PRECIPITATION  AND  DECANTATION. 

Many  circumstances  are  to  be  considered  in  deciding  whether 
a  precipitate  will  be  produced  with  a  given  reagent,  such  as 
temperature,  concentration,  or  dilution  ;  the  presence  of  some 
disturbing  agent,  or  absence  of  a  substance  which  might  favor 
the  action  by  the  influence  of  some  affinity.  Therefore  a  single 

Fig.  13. 


trial  should  not  satisfy  the  student ;  the  experiment  should  be 
varied,  especially  if  resort  be  had  to  heat,  agitation,  and  time. 
The  beaker  (Fig.  13),  made  of  Bohemian  glass  of  uniform 
thickness,  and   a  test-tube,  serve   best  for  precipitation,  the 

4* 


42 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Fig 


liquid  in  the  former  being  agitated  by  a  glass  rod.  When  the 
precipitation  is  complete,  the  subsidence  of  the  precipitate  often 
allows  the  mother  liquor  to  be  removed  by  decantation. 

Precipitation  of  baryta,  for  example,  may  be  readily  sepa- 
rated and  washed  without  filtration.      To   avoid   spilling  in 
decanting,  a  portion  of  the  lip  of  the  vessel  should  be  smeared 
internally  and  externally  with  tallow,  and 
then  this  portion  brought  against  a  glass 
rod   held   obliquely,  when   the  liquid   will 
flow  gently  down   the  rod  without  danger 
of  waste. 

Figs.  14  and  15  show  how  a  stream  of 
liquid  flowing  from  a  beaker  or  basin  (por- 
celain dish)  should  be  guided  by  a   glass 
rod  placed  against  the   point  whence  the 
stream  emerges.     If  the  vessel  be  too  large 
or  too  full  to  handle  with  convenience,  the 
wash-water  may  be  drawn  off  by  a  siphon, 
as  shown  in  miniature  in  Fig.  16.    A  siphon  is  a  tube  of  glass, 
metal,  gutta-percha,  or  India-rubber,  bent  in  the  form  of  a  V 


Fig.  15. 


Fig.  16. 


or  U,  filled  with  water,  and  inverted  ;  one  end  immersed  in 
the  wash-water  and  the  other  allowed  to  hang  over  the  side  of 
the  vessel ;  so  long  as  the  outer  orifice  of  the  instrument  is  below 
the  level  of  the  liquid  in  the  vessel,  so  long  will  that  liquid 
flow  from  within  outwards  until  the  vessel  be  empty. 


FILTRATION. 


43 


Fig.  17  represents  a  set  (nest)  of  beakers  without  spout,  all 
of  uniformly  thin  glass,  bearing  well  the  heating  of  liquids 
which  they  contain,  in  a  sand-bath  or  over  a  free  fire. 

Fig.  18  shows  a  set  of  beakers  with  spout. 


Fig.  17. 


Fte.  18. 


Fig.  19. 


Fig.  19  exhibits  German  flasks  of  white  glass  with  long 
neck  and  flat  bottom,  in  which  liquids  may  be  boiled,  or  mine- 
rals dissolved  in  acids,  over  a  free  fire. 

4.  FILTRATION. 

Precipitates  are  generally  separated  from  the  mother-liquor 
by  filtration,  as  shown  in  Fig.  20,  through  paper  expressly 
prepared  for  the  purpose  (Swedish  is  best,  but  a  cheaper  article 
answers  for  qualitative  analysis).  The  paper,  as  seen  in  Fig. 
21,  is  cut  in  a  circular  form,  «,  then  folded  in  the  shape  of  a 
quadrant,  b  and  c,  the  pointed  part  finally  placed  deep  in  a 


44 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


glass  funnel,  and  one  of  the  folds,  </,  spread  back  so  that  the  paper 
completely  lines  the  glass,  though  it  must  not  quite  reach  the 
top.  When  fitted,  the  paper  is  moistened  by  a  jet  of  water  to 

Fig.  20. 


Fig.  21. 


Fig.  25 


cause  it  to  adhere  to  the  glass.  If  a  precipitate  subsides,  the 
supernatant  liquid  should  first  be  run  through  the  filter  by  itself 
(to  accelerate  filtration). 


FILTRATION. 


45 


Figs.  22  and  23  show  additional  forms  of  filtering  stands. 
The  latter,  being  made  of  iron,  can  also  be  used  as  a  retort-stand 
in  distillations. 


Fig.  23. 


Fig.  24. 


Fig.  25. 


Washing  Precipitates. 

Fig.  24  represents  the  ordinary  wash-bottle  for  washing  pre- 
cipitates from  the  side  of  a  filter  by  a  jet  of  water,  by  compres- 
sion of  the  air  in  the  bottle,  caused  by  blowing  (see  Fig.  25). 
To  test  whether  the  washing  has  been  complete,  a  drop  of  the 
filtrate  coming  from  the  funnel  is  evaporated  on  a  platinum 
spatula ;  if  no  solid  residue  remains  behind,  the  operation  must 
be  discontinued. 

In  Fig.  26  a  platinum  spatula  is  shown  in  its  natural  size, 


40 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


and  Fig.  27  shows  a  convenient  wooden  holder  for  spatula, 
wire,  and  spoon  for  heating  operations. 


Fig.  26. 


Fig.  27. 


Fig.  28. 


Fig.  28  is  a  holder  for  platinum  spoon  and  wire,  with  screw 
fastening.  The  handle  is  hollow  to  contain  wire  and  spoon, 
screw  cap. 

5.  EVAPORATION. 

After  filtration  the  mother-liquor  becomes  so  much  in- 
creased by  washing  as  often  to  require  concentration  before 
being  treated  for  substances  yet  in  solution.  Evaporation  may 
be  conducted  in  a  porcelain  dish,  either  over  a  lamp  or  on  the 
sand-bath.  Boiling  should  be  avoided,  and  for  this  purpose 
the  dish  can  be  securely  placed  upon  a  water-bath  of  copper 
(about  five  inches  in  diameter),  shown  in  Fig.  29,  which  is 
provided  with  rings  to  receive  dishes  of  different  sizes,  and  is 
supported  by  a  tripod  or  a  retort-stand.  Being  partly  filled 


EVAPORATION. 


47 


with  water,  it  is  heated  by  a  small  alcohol  lamp  or  a  gas-burner. 
To  prevent  dust  from  falling  into  the  dish,  it  may  be  covered 
with  filter-paper  (supported  by  a  glass  rod,  or  closely  bent  over 
the  edge  of  the  dish).  When  the  dish  is  nearly  full,  the  sub- 


Fig.  29. 


Fig.  30. 


Fig.  31. 


stance  may  often  be  prevented  from  running  over  the  margin 
by  slightly  touching  the  latter  with  tallow.  In  evaporating  to 
dryness,  the  process  is  facilitated  by  stirring.  Fig.  30  shows 
a  simple  tripod  of  iron,  and  Fig.  31  is  a  tripod  with  chimney, 
by  Bunsen,  to  be  used  in  connection  with  his  gas-burner.  A 

Fig.  32. 


square  piece  of  iron-wire  gauze  is  frequently  put  under  dishes, 
beakers,  or  flasks,  heated  on  these  tripods,  or  iron  retort-stands, 
to  moderate  the  effect  of  the  direct  flame  of  a  gas-burner. 
Figs.  32  (1  and  2)  are  tripods  witli  rings  of  different  sizes. 


48  MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 

6.  PORCELAIN  DISHES  AND  CRUCIBLES. 

Open  dishes,  which  will  bear  heat  without  cracking,  are 
necessary  implements  in  the  laboratory  for  conducting  the 
evaporation  of  liquids.  The  best  evaporating  dishes  are  those 
made  of  Berlin  porcelain,  glazed  both  inside  and  out,  with  a 
small  lip  projecting  beyond  the  rim. 

The  dishes  of  Meissen  porcelain  are  not  glazed  on  the  outside, 
and  are  not  so  durable,  but  much  cheaper  than  those  of  Berlin 
manufacture.  Evaporating  dishes  are  made  of  all  diameters 
from  3  cm.  to  15  cm. 

A  deep  porcelain  dish,  provided  with  a  handle  (called  cassa- 
rol),  is  seen  in  Fig.  33. 

Fig.  33.  Fig.  34. 


Very  thin,  highly  glazed  porcelain  crucibles,  with  glazed 
covers  (Fig.  34),  are  indispensable  implements  to  the  chemist. 
For  most  purposes  the  best  sizes  are  those  between  3  cm.  and 
5  cm.  in  diameter.  Porcelain  crucibles  are  supported  over  a 
lamp  on  an  iron-wire  triangle.  They  must  always  be  gradually 
heated,  and  never  come  suddenly  in  contact  with  any  cold 
substance  while  they  are  hot. 

7.  PLATINUM  APPARATUS  :  CRUCIBLES,  DISHES,  OR 
CAPSULES. 

Platinum  does  riot  oxidize  in  the  air  at  any  temperature,  nor 
is  it  attacked  by  any  of  the  common  acids  used  separately. 


CRUCIBLE    TONGS. 


49 


This  comparative  inertness  as  a  chemical  agent,  taken  in  con- 
nection with  its  infusibility,  renders  platinum  an  extremely 
useful  metal  to  the  chemist. 

It  is  employed  in  the  laboratory  for  crucibles,  evaporating 
dishes,  stills,  spatulas,  forceps,  wire,  blowpipe-tips,  etc.,  and 
lately  in  the  shape  of  perforated  cones  for  filtering  phosphate 
precipitates  over  a  layer  of  asbestos  wool.*  When  a  filter-pump 
is  on  hand,  other  insoluble  precipitates  collected  on  an  ordi- 
nary paper-filter  may  be  quickly  washed  when  placed  in  such 
a  cone,  and  the  latter  in  a  glass  funnel. 


Fig.  35. 


Fig.  36. 


Fig.  35  represents  a  platinum  crucible  with  a  capsule-shaped 
lid,  convenient  for  the  incineration  of  filters,  etc.  Fig.  36 
shows  a  platinum  evaporating  dish  with  lip. 

8.  CRUCIBLE  TONGS. 

The  following   three  convenient   forms  -for    removing    hot 
crucibles  from  the  fire  are  generally  found  in  laboratories. 
Fig.  37  represents  plain  tongs  of  malleable  iron.     Fig.  38 


Fig.  38. 


*  See  Fresenius's  Quantitative  Analysis  (New  System).     Second 
American  edition,   by  Allen  &  Johnson.     New  York,  1883.     Pages 
100  and  101. 
5 


50 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


shows  tongs  with  a  double  curve.  Fig.  39  exhibits  somewhat 
expensive,  but  durable,  crucible  tongs,  made  of  German  silver 
with  platinum  points  attached. 

Fig.  39. 


Fig.  40. 


9.  CORKS. 

For  chemical  purposes  these  should  be  made  of  soft  cork- 
wood cut  across  the  grain  to  prevent  forming  continuous  chan- 
nels for  the  passage  of  gases  or  liquids.     Pierced  corks  are  used 
to  form  joints   with  retorts,  gas-bottles,  and  other  chemical 
apparatus.     Boring  holes  through  corks  to  receive  glass  tubes, 
necks  of  retorts,  etc.,  may  be  done  with 
a  round  file   (rat-tail),  or   better,  by  a 
hollow  cylinder  of  sheet  brass  sharpened 
.at  one  end.     Fig.  40  represents  a  set  of 
cylinders  of  graduated  sizes,  slipping  one 
within   the  other   into  a   very   compact 
form.     A  stout  wire  of  the  same  length 
as   the   cylinders   accompanies    the  set, 
which  serves  a  double  purpose ;  passed 
transversely  through  two  holes  in  the  cap 
which  terminates  each  cylinder,  it  gives 
the  hand  a  better  grasp  of  the  tool  while 

penetrating  the  cork;  and  when  the  hole  is  made,  the  wire 
thrust  through  the  opening  in  the  top  of  the  cap  expels  the 
little  cylinder  of  cork  which  else  would  remain  in  the  cutting 
cylinder  of  brass. 

Rubber  stoppers  of  flexible  unvulcanized  caoutchouc,  cast  in 
moulds  of  various  sizes,  and  provided  with  1,  2,  and  3  holes, 
are  now  employed  in  laboratories  instead  of  cork  stoppers. 
Fig.  41  represents  different  samples.  These  will  not  harden, 
and  sell  for  $4  per  pound.  Caoutchouc  stoppers  of  good  quality 
are  much  more  durable  than  corks,  and  are  in  every  respect  to 


SAND-BATH,    WIRE    GAUZE,    ETC. 


51 


be  preferred.  Caoutchouc  stoppers  can  be  bored  like  corks  by 
means  of  suitable  cutters,  and  glass  tubes  can  be  fitted  into  the 
holes  thus  made  with  a  tightness  unattainable  with  corks. 
Stoppers  can  be  bought  provided  with  all  the  necessary  holes 
of  various  sizes. 

Fig.  41. 


In    Fig.  42   is  seen  a   gas-bottle,  fitted  with          Fig.  42. 
perforated    stopper,    funnel-tube,    and    jointed 
delivery-tube. 

10.  SAND-BATH,  WIRE  GAUZE,  TRIANGULAR 
SUPPORTS  FOR  CRUCIBLES. 

As  a  general  rule  it  is  not  best  to  apply  the 
direct  flame  to  glass  or  porcelain  vessels;  hence 
a  piece  of  wire  gauze  is  stretched  loosely  over 
the  largest   ring    of  an    iron    stand,  and  bent 
downward  a  little  for  the  reception  of  round- 
bottomed   vessels.     On   this  gauze,  flasks,  retorts,  and  porce- 
lain dishes  are  usually  supported.     In  cases  requiring  a  very 
gradual  and  equable  heat  the  wire  gauze 
is  replaced  by  a  small  sand-bath,  i.  e.,  a  Fig.  43. 

shallow  sheet-iron  pan  filled  with  dry 
sand  (Fig.  43).  Crucibles  or  dishes  of 
porcelain  or  platinum,  too  small  for  the 
smallest  ring  belonging  to  the  stand,  are 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


conveniently  supported  on  an  equilateral  triangle  made  of  three 
pieces  of  soft  iron,  copper,  or  platinum  wire,  twisted  together 
at  the  apexes ;  this  triangle  is  laid  on  one  of  the  rings  of  the 
stand.  An  iron  tripod  (Fig.  30)  may  be  often  used  instead  of 
a  stand,  but  it  is  not  so  generally  useful  because  of  the  difficulty 
of  adjusting  it  to  various  heights  ;  with  a  sufficiency  of  wooden 
blocks  wherewith  to  raise  the  lamp  or  the  tripod  as  occasion 
may  require,  it  may  be  made  available.  The  whole  apparatus 
for  ignition,  in  its  various  arrangements,  is  plainly  shown  in 
the  following  illustrations. 

Fig.  44  shows  an  ordinary  iron  stand  with  two  rings ;  on  the 
upper  one  is  placed  a  wire  triangle,  and  on  the  lower  one  a 
piece  of  wire  gauze. 

Fig.  45  exhibits  two  such  wire  triangles,  a  and  b ;  the  latter, 
ft,  is  covered  with  tobacco-pipe  stems. 

Fig.  44. 


Fig.  46  is  a  support  of  iron  with  fork  for  holding  a  Bunsen 
burner,  with  rubber  gas-tube  attached.  The  burner  with 
chimney  heats  a  crucible,  resting  on  a  wire  triangle. 

In  Fig.  47  is  seen  the  burner  by  itself  with  a  star  screwed 
on  for  the  support  of  a  chimney  and  an  arrangement  to  slide 
on  the  fork  of  the  iron  stand. 

Fig.  48  shows  a  burner  with  a  support  screwed  on  for  hold- 
ing small  porcelain  dishes. 


FLETCHER'S  BURNERS.  53 

An  ordinary  plain  Bunsen  gas-burner  is  seen  in  Fig.  40. 
Fig.  46.  Fig.  47. 


Fig.  48. 


Fig.  49, 


11.  FLETCHER'S  BURNERS. 

Fig.  50.  Fletcher's  Blast-Bunsen  for  high  temperatures. 
This  is  a  Bunsen  combined  with  a  powerful  blowpipe,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  generally  useful  arrangements  known  in  the 
chemical  laboratory.  The  blowpipe  flame  obtained  with  the 
blast  tube,  when  confined  by  the  loose  cap  B,  is  compact  and 
extremely  powerful,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  air  mixture  is 
partially  made  before  the  blast  begins  to  act.  When  the  object 
to  be  heated  is  fragile  it  can  be  warmed  by  the  Bunsen  flame 

5* 


M  IN  E  R  ALOG  Y    S I M  PL  I F I K 1). 


Fig.  50. 


and  the  blast  slowly  turned  on  by  the  tap  c.     The  convenience 

of  having  a  powerful  flame  at  command  under  an  ordinary  rer 

tort- stand  without  the  necessity  of  readjusting  the  height  or 

position  will.be  fully  appreciated. 

Fig.  51.  Fletcher-Plat tner  Blowpipe  Furnace,  for  Capsules, 

or  Crucibles,  J  in.  diameter.  This  is  made  of  Fletcher's  patent 
non-conductor,  which  does  not  require 
renewing,  and  does  not  require  the  ob- 
jectionable wire  support  of  Plattner's 
pattern,  which  generally  fails  at  the 
most  critical  moment.  This  pattern, 
like  that  of  Plattner,  has  the  hole  for 
the  blowpipe  flame  at  the  side ;  but  if 
the  hole  is  at  the  bottom,  and  an  up- 
right blowpipe  is  used,  the  improve- 
ment is  very  great.  With  the  blast  Bun- 
sen  (as  shown  in  Fig.  50)  and  a  good 
foot  blower,  100  grains  of  cast  iron  can 

be  perfectly  fused  in  two  minutes ;  the  temperatures  being,  at 

the  same  time,  under  the  most  perfect  control. 


Fig.  51. 


Fig.  52. 


In  Fig.  52  is  seen  Erlenmeyer's  Argand  Burner  for  heating 
purposes.  It  has  met  with  much  favor  among  chemists  for  the 
intense,  steady  heat  it  gives.  It  may  be  used  for  simple  fusions 
of  silicates  nearly  as  well  as  a  blast  lamp. 


FOOT    BLOWERS. 


12.  FOOT  BLOWERS. 

Fig.  53  is  a  simple,  compact,  and  powerful  arrangement. 
The  step  for  the  foot 

is   very  low,   and   en-  Fig-  53. 

ables  the  blower  to  be 
used  with  ease  whether 
the  operator  is  stand- 
ing or  seated.  The 
pressure  is  perfectly 
steady  and  equal.  If 
the  rubber  disk  is  dis- 
tended until  forced 
against  the  net,  the 
pressure  can  be  in- 


Fig.  54. 


Fig.  55. 


creased  to  almost  any  extent  desired.    It  will  give,  if  required 

a  heavy  and  continuous  blast  through  a  pipe  of  £  inch  clear  bore. 

A  great  advantage  is  obtained  in  blowpipe  work  by  attach- 


56  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ing  a  stopcock  to  the  air-pipe,  thereby  controlling  the  blast  as 
with  the  mouth.  With  the  blast  Bunsen  lamp. connected  with 
such  a  blower,  small  quantities  of  cast  iron  can  be  perfectly 
fused  in  a  few  minutes. 

Fig.  55,  reversing  the  position  of  the  blower,  does  away 
with  the  risk  of  mechanical  injury  to  the  disk,  and  obviates 
the  necessity  for  a  wood  casing  or  protection.  Tt  also  prevents 
the  valve  from  picking  up  dirt  from  the  floor,  keeping  the 
whole  arrangement  cleaner,  and  the  valves  in  more  perfect 
order. 

13.  BENDING  AND  CLOSING  GLASS  TUBES. 

Small  bore  tubing  can  generally  be  worked  in  the  flame  of  a 
common  gas  or  spirit-lamp,  or  over  an  ordinary  gas-burner ;  for 
larger  tubes  the  blast-lamp  is  necessary  (see  Figs.  50  and  51). 
Glass  tubing  must  not  be  introduced  suddenly  into  the  hottest 
part  of  the  flame,  or  laid  at  once  upon  a  cold  surface.  Gradual 
heating  and  gradual  cooling  are  alike  necessary,  and  more  so, 
the  thicker  the  glass  is.  In  heating  a  tube,  whether  for  bend- 
ing, drawing-out,  or  closing,  the  tube  must  be  constantly  turned 
between  the  fingers,  and  also  moved  a  little  to  the  right  and 
left  in  order  that  it  may  be  uniformly  heated  all  around,  and 
that  the  temperature  of  the  neighboring  parts  may  be  duly 
raised.  If  a  tube  or  rod  is  to  be  heated  at  any  part  except  an 
end,  it  should  be  held  between  the  thumb  and  the  first  two 
fingers  of  each  hand  in  such  a  manner  that  the  hands  shall  be 
below  the  tube  or  rod,  with  the  palms  upward,  while  the  lamp- 
flame  is  between  the  hands.  When  the  end  of  a  tube  or  rod 
is  to  be  heated,  it  is  best  to  begin  by  warming  the  tube  or  rod 
about  2  cm.  from  the  end,  and  from  thence  proceed  slowly  to 
the  end. 

In  bending  tubing  to  make  gas  delivery-tubes  and  the  like, 
attention  should  be  paid  to  the  following  points :  1st,  the  glass 
should  be  equally  hot  on  all  sides  ;  2d,  it  should  not  be  twisted, 
pulled  out,  or  pushed  together,  during  the  heating ;  3d,  the 
bore  of  the  tube  at  the  bend  should  be  kept  round  and  not 
altered  in  size ;  4th,  if  two  or  more  bends  be  made  in  the  same 


BENDING    AND    CLOSING    GLASS    TUBES.  57 

piece  of  tubing  (Fig.  56),  c  and  rf,  they  should  all  be  in  the 
same  plane,  so  that  the  finished  tube  will  lie  flat  upon  the  level 
table. 


Fig.  56. 

-    p    rn 

I  \J 


When  a  tube  or  rod  is  to  be  bent  or  drawn  close  at  its  ex- 
tremity, a  temporary  handle  may  be  attached  to  it  by  softening 
the  end  of  the  tube  or  rod,  and  pressing  against  the  soft  glass 
a  fragment  of  a  glass  tube  which  will  adhere  strongly  to  the 
softened  end.  The  handle  may  subsequently  be  removed  by  a, 
slight  blow,  or  by  the  aid  of  a  file. 

If  a  considerable,  bend  is  to  be  made,  so  that  the  angle  be- 
tween the  arms  will  be  very  acute,  as  in  a  siphon,  for  example 
at  a,  Fig.  56,  the  curvature  cannot  be  well  produced  at  one  place 
in  the  tube,  but  should  be  made  by  heating,  progressively,  several 
centimetres  of  the  tube,  and  bending  continuously  from  one  end 
of  the  heated  portion  to  the  other.  Small  and  thick  tubes  may 
be  bent  more  sharply  than  large  or  thin  tubes.  In  order  to 
draw  a  glass  tube  down  to  a  finer  bore,  it  is  simply  necessary 
to  thoroughly  soften,  on  all  sides,  one  or  two  centimetres' 
length  of  the  tube,  and  then,  taking  the  glass  from  the  flame, 
to  pull  the  tube  by  a  cautious  movement  of  the  hands.  The 
larger  the  heated  portion  of  the  glass,  the  longer  will  be  the 
tube  thus  formed.  Its  length  and  fineness  also  increase  with 
the  rapidity  of  motion  of  the  hands. 

To  obtain  a  tube  closed  at  one  end,  it  is  best  to  take  a  piece 
of  tubing  open  at  both  ends,  and  long  enough  to  make  two 
closed  tubes.  In  the  middle  of  the  tube  a  ring  of  glass,  as 
narrow  as  possible,  must  be  made  thoroughly  soft.  The  hands 


58  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

are  then  separated  a  little  to  cause  a  contraction  in  diameter  at 
the  hot  and  soft  part.  The  point  of  the  flame  must  now  be 
directed,  not  upon  the  narrowest  part  of  the  tube,  but  upon 
what  is  to  be  the  bottom  of  the  closed  tube.  This  point  is  in- 
dicated by  the  line  a  in  Fig.  57.  By  drawing  with  the  right 

Fi>.  57. 


hand,  the  narrow  part  of  the  tube  is  attenuated,  and  finally 
melted  off,  leaving  both  halves  of  the  original  tube  closed  at 
one  end,  but  not  of  the  same  form  ;  the  right-hand  half  is  drawn 
out  into  a  long  point,  the  other  is  more  roundly  closed.  It  is 
not  possible  to  close  handsomely  the  two  pieces  at  once.  The 
tube  is  seldom  perfectly  finished  by  the  operation  ;  a  superfluous 
knob  of  glass  generally  remains  upon  the  end.  If  small,  it  may 
be  got  rid  of  by  heating  the  whole  end  of  the  tube,  and  blowing 
moderately  with  the  mouth  into  the  open  end.  The  knob  being 
hotter,  and  therefore  softer  than  any  other  part,  yields  to  the 
pressure  from  within,  spreads  out  and  disappears.  If  the  knob 
is  large  it  may  be  drawn  off  by  sticking  to  it  a  fragment  of  a  tube, 
and  then  softening  the  glass  above  the  junction.  The  same 
process  may  be  applied  to  the  too  pointed  end  of  the  right- 
hand  half  of  the  original  tube,  or  to  any  misshapen  result  of  an 
unsuccessful  attempt  to  close  a  tube,  or  to  any  bit  of  tube 
which  is  too  short  to  make  two  closed  tubes.  When  the  closed 
end  of  a  tube  is  too  thin,  it  may  be  strengthened  by  keeping 
the  whole  end  at  a  red  heat  for  two  or  three  minutes,  turning 
the  tube  constantly  between  the  fingers.  It  may  be  said  in 
general  of  all  the  preceding  operations  before  the  lamp,  that 
success  depends  on  keeping  the  tube  to  be  heated  in  constant 
rotation  in  order  to  secure  a  uniform  temperature  on  all  sides 
of  the  tube. 


CHEMICALLY    TURK    WATER. 


59 


CHAPTER  III. 

PREPARATION  OF  REAGENTS  MOST  FREQUENTLY  REQUIRED 
FOR  ANALYSIS  IN  THE  WET  WAY. 

1.  CHEMICALLY  PURE  WATER  —  H2O. 

THE  first  reagent  which  the  private  chemical  student  must 
prepare  for  himself  is  chemically  pure  water.  Clean  rain-water, 
or  some  other  very  pure  water,  may  be  rendered  suitable  for 
many  laboratory  purposes  by  simply  boiling  and  filtering.  But 
it  is  usually  better  to  distil  water,  rejecting  the  first  eighth 
which  goes  over,  and  leaving  a  yet  larger  quantity  in  the  retort 
at  the  close  of  the  distillation.  The  retort  should  always  be 
well  washed  before  refilling.  Water  thus  purified  should  be 
preserved  in  closely  stoppered  demijohns  or  stone  jars.  One  of 

Fig.  58. 


the  best  and  most  convenient  distilling  apparatus,  is  that  of 
Beindorf,  represented  in  Fig.  58,  for  the  use  of  pharmaceutists 
and  chemists,  for  distilling,  rectifying,  evaporating,  cooking,  ex- 
tracting, drying,  and  similar  chemical  operations,  besides  melt- 
ing. It  consists  of  the  following  parts  :  a  furnace  of  wrought 
iron  ;  water-bath  of  copper,  5  gallons  capacity  and  tinned  in- 
side;  a  still  of  block  tin,  1^  gallons  capacity,  with  head  of 


GO 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


block-tin,  and  having  all  the  contrivances  necessary  for  steam 
distillations,  etc.,  all  made  of  pure  block  tin  ;  two  evaporating 


dishes  ;  two  infusion  jars  ;  a  complete  condenser  of  the  latest 
construction,  etc. 

Fig.  59  represents  a  heavy  copper  still  with  movable  head, 
and  lined  inside  with  tin  coating;  connected  with  a  block-tin 


CHEMICALLY    PUKE    WATER. 


61 


condensing  worm,  inclosed  in  a  zinc  vessel,  with  inlet  for  cold 
and  outlet  for  the  warm  water. 

For  most  purposes  a  glass  retort  (3  quarts)  may  be  employed, 
or  the  distilling  apparatus  shown  in  Fig.  60,  in  which  h  is  a 


large  glass  retort  resting  on  an  iron  stand  or  on  a  small  coal  fur- 
nace ;  a  is  Liehig's  condenser,  with  an  iron  foot,  y  ;  b  is  a  flask 
used  us  a  receiver,  which  may  be  placed  upon  a  stand  or  block, 
or  if  necessary  in  a  bowl  of  cold  water.  The  condenser,  a, 
consists  of  a  copper  tube  through  which  a  glass  tube  passes, 
6 


62 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


fitting  water-tight  at  the  ends.  Both  ends  of  the  glass-tube 
are  usually  provided  with  corks,  except  at  the  connection 
with  the  flask.  Now  if  cold  water  (put  ice  in  the  supply- 
vessel,  if  necessary)  be  allowed  to  flow  continuously  into  the 
funnel  tube,  e,  the  copper  tube  will  be  filled  with  cold  water, 
and  the  warm  water  will  flow  out  at  the  top  by  the  tube,/ 
(which  may  be  connected  again  with  a  rubber-tube,  and  the 
water  thus  conveyed  to  a  sink),  whilst  the  aqueous  vapor  from 
retort,  ^,  in  passing  through  the  glass  tube  will  be  condensed 

and  retained  in  receiver,  b. 

Fig.  61. 


When  a  Liebig's  condenser  is  not  on  hand,  the  distillation 
of  water  may  be  executed  in  an  ordinary  glass-retort,  to  which 
a  flask  is  joined  as  condenser,  being  surrounded  with  cold 
water  (Fig.  61). 

2.  TESTING  OF  WATER. 

The  common  tests  for  water,*  supposed  to  be  pure,  are : 
1.  Evaporation  to  dryness.     (Salts.) 

*  Rain  water  collected  in  tlie  open  air  may,  in  many  cases,  be  sub- 
stituted for  distilled  water. 


TESTING    OF    WATER.  63 

2.  Test-paper.     (Red  and  blue  litmus  paper.) 

3.  Perfectly  clear  lime-water.     (Carbonic  dioxide.) 

4.  Solution  of  silver  nitrate.      (Chlorine.) 

5.  Solution  of  barium  chloride.     (Sulphuric  acid.) 

6.  Solution  of  ammonia  oxalate.     (Lime.) 

7.  Nessler's  test*  for  ammonia. 

The  first  should  leave  no  residue,  and  the  others  should  show 
no  reaction.  (A  few  drops  of  the  reagent  must  be  added  to  a 
portion  of  water  in  a  clean  test-tube.) 

Preparation  of  Test  Papers. 

1.  Blue  Litmus  Paper. — Digest   1   part  of  litmus  of  com- 
merce with  6  parts  of  water,  and  filter  the  solution  ;  davide  the 
intensely  blue  filtrate  into  two  equal  parts ;  saturate  the  free 
alkali  in  the  one  part  by  repeatedly  stirring  with  a  glass  rod 
dipped  in  very  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  until  the  color  of  the  fluid 
just  appears  red ;  add  now  the  other  part  of  the  blue  filtrate, 
pour  the  whole  fluid  into  a  dish,  and  draw  strips  of  filter  paper 
through  it ;  suspend  these  slips  over  threads,  and  leave  them 
to  dry.     The  color  of  the  litmus  paper  must  be  uniform,  and 
neither  too  light  nor  too  dark. 

2.  Reddened  Litmus  Paper Stir  blue  solution  of  litmus 

with  a  glass  rod  dipped  into  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  and  repeat 
this  process  until  the  fluid  has  just  turned  directly  red.     Steep 
slips  of  paper  in  the  solution  and  dry  them  as  in  1. 

3.  Turmeric  Paper. — Digest  and  heat   1   part  of  bruised 
turmeric  root  (or  turmeric  powder)  with  4  parts  of  alcohol  and 
2  of  water,  filter  the  tincture  obtained,  and  steep  slips  of  fine 
paper  in  the  filtrate.    The  dried  slips  must  exhibit  a  fine  yellow 
tint.     Test  paper  must   be  kept  in  closed  boxes,  or  in  black 
bottles,  away  from  light  and  fumes. 

*  Biniodide  of  mercury  is  dissolved  in  iodide  of  potassium,  and  the 
colorless  solution  rendered  powerfully  alkaline  by  the  addition  of 
soda  or  potassa  hydrate.  This  reagent  poured  into  water  containing 
mere  traces  of  ammonia  produces  a  yellow  to  brown  color. 


64 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


3.  HYDRIC  SULPHIDE,  SULPHOHYDRIC  ACID,  SULPHURETTED 
HYDROGEN  =  SH2. 

A  colorless  gas  which  should  be  evolved  at  the  moment  of 
using  it.  For  this  purpose  monosulphide  of  iron,  or  ferrous  sul- 
phide FeS,  is  prepared  by  mixing  intimately  5  parts  of  flowers 

Fig.  62. 


of  sulphur  with  8  parts  of  iron  filings,  and  bringing  the  mixture, 
in  small  portions  at  a  time,  into  a  red-hot  Hessian  crucible 
(around  which,  when  supported  on  a  brick  in  a  furnace,  a  coal 
fire  is  built)  which  is  covered  with  a  piece  of  fire-brick  until 
the  whole  mass  glows.  When  cool,  the  sulphide  of  iron  in 
fragments  of  the  size  of  a  pea,  is  placed  in  a  bottle,  A,  Fig.  62, 
and  covered  with  pure  water.  Through  funnel  tube,  a,  con- 
centrated sulphuric  acid  is  added  by  degrees,  and  the  evolved 
gas  can  escape  only  through  b  into  flask  B,  which  should  con- 
tain some  water  for  washing  the  gas.  From  B  the  gas  is  forced 
through  tubes  c  and  d  (connected  by  India-rubber  tubes,  k) 
into  flask  (7,  which  contains  the  solution  to  be  treated.  Gene- 
rally obtained  by  the  reaction,  FeS  +  (H2SO4  +  Aq.)  = 
(FeS04  +  Aq.)  +  H2S. 

A  very  handy  apparatus  for  generating  H2S,  in  small  quanti- 


ITYDRIC    SULPHIDE,    ETC. 


ties,  is  Bubo's,  mounted  on  a  stand  with  rubber  connection,  as 
shown  in  Fig.  63. 

Fig.  64  represents  a  gas  bulb  for  passing  sulphide  of  hydrogen 
(or  chlorine  gas)  into  liquids  in  test-tubes.  After  being  charged 
the  orifice  on  the  top  is  closed  with  a  cork. 

Fig.  63.  Fig.  64. 


Fig.  65. 


The  following  simple  contrivance  has  lately  been  devised  by 
Capanema*  to  saturate  a  solution  with  hydrosulphuric  acid 
without  the  annoyance  of  the  bad  odor  of  the  excess  of  gas. 
Fig.  65  represents  the  apparatus;  a  is 
a  bottle  to  which  is  fitted  a  doubly  per- 
forated stopper  provided  with  a  pipette, 
6,  with  a  large  pear-shaped  bulb,  and  a 
bent  tube,  c,  communicating  by  means 
of  rubber  tube,  rf,  with  the  gas  genera- 
tor. The  liquid  to  be  saturated  or  pre- 
cipitated is  introduced  in  the  bottle,  a, 
and  the  pipette  at  first  drawn  up,  until 
the  lower  end  of  its  tube  is  above  the 
liquid.  Hydrosulphuric  acid  is  now 
allowed  to  pass  in  until  the  atmospheric 
air  in  the  flask  and  pipette  is  displaced, 
and  the  pipette  then  pushed  down  un- 
til the  lower  end  of  its  tube  nearly 
touches  the  bottom  of  the  flask.  The 
pressure  of  the  gas, will  force  some  of 

*  In  Fresenius,  Zeitschr.  f.  anal.  Cliemie,  1881,  p.  519. 
6* 


6G  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

the  liquid  into  the  pipette.  By  cautious  swinging  of  the  appa- 
ratus, new  portions  of  the  liquid  are  successively  brought  in 
contact  with  the  gas,  and  in  consequence  of  its  absorption,  the 
liquid  in  the  pipette  descends,  sometimes  with  great  rapidity. 
The  saturation  or  precipitation  (of  a  metal)  is  completed  when- 
ever the -liquid  no  longer  descends  from  the  pipette.  The  cur- 
rent of  gas  is  then  shut  off,  the  whole  briskly  agitated,  the 
pipette  drawn  up,  and,  when  all  the  liquid  has  run  out,  care- 
fully washed  with  distilled  water,  ejected  from  a  wash-bottle, 
to  free  it  from  any  particle  of  the  precipitate  which  may  adhere 
to  it. 

If  it  is  desired  to  prevent  the  escape  of  odor  entirely,  the 
upper  end  of  the  pipette  may  be  provided  with  an  additional 
tube,  charged  with  a  loose  pellet  of  cotton  and  a  quantity  of 
filter-paper  saturated  with  a  solution  of  acetate  of  lead  (sugar 
of  lead),  which  greedily  absorbs  the  gas. 

4.  SULPHIDE  OF  AMMONIUM  (NH4)2S. 

Should  be  often  freshly  prepared,  and  preserved  in  well-stop- 
pered bottles.  It  is  obtained  by  conducting  sulphydric  acid 
gas  =  H2S,  into  aqueous  ammonia  until  the  latter  absorbs  no 
more  of  the  gas.  The  apparatus,  Fig.  62,  will  serve  for  the 
purpose  by  the  addition  of  a  loose  stopper  to  flask  (7,  in  which 
the  aqueous  ammonia  is  to  be  placed. 

5.  HYDROFLUORIC  ACID  HF1. 

In  experimenting  with  this  acid,  especially  in  a  gaseous  form, 
great  care  is  necessary,  since  the  fumes,  when  inhaled,  may 
produce  dangerous  effects. 

To  obtain  it  in  more  or  less  concentrated  liquid  form,  a 
small  retort  of  platinum  or  lead  is  used,  on  which,  during  the 
operation,  a  helm  is  luted.  The  retort  is  previously  charged 
with  1  part  of  finely  powdered  fluor-spar  and  2  parts  of  con- 
centrated sulphuric  acid.  After  the  charge  is  thoroughly  mixed 


WET  REAGENTS  GENERALLY.  G7 

by  a  platinum  spatula,  heat  is  applied.  If  a  dilute  acid  is 
desired,  the  receiver,  consisting  of  a  platinum  dish,  must  con- 
tain some  water  and  be  well  cooled  from  without  with  ice  or  a 
freezing  mixture. 

A  glass  plate  may  now  be  covered  with  etching-ground  (con- 
sisting of  6  parts  of  gum  mastic,  1  part  asphaltum,  and  1  part 
of  wax),  and  parts  of  it  removed  with  an  etching  needle  (draw- 
ing). The  glass  plate  thus  prepared  may  now  be  acted  upon 
(etched)  either  by  the  gaseous  or  liquid  acid  ;  in  the  former 
case  the  drawing  is  lustrous  (like  the  original  glass),  while  in 
the  latter  the  drawing  appears  dull  or  opaque.  The  etching- 
ground  can  be  removed  with  oil  of  turpentine. 

For  testing  minerals  for  HF1  with  sulphuric  acid,  it  is  well 
to  employ  a  platinum  crucible,  the  cover  of  which  has  an  open- 
ing in  the  middle  upon  which  a  piece  of  glass  is  placed  ;  the 
crucible  and  contents  may  then  be  heated  over  a  lamp.  Many 
silicates  containing  fluorine,  like  topaz,  give  off  no  trace  of 
fluorine  in  this  way.  To  prove  its  presence  2  grams  of  the 
powdered  mineral  are  mixed  with  caustic  potash  and  a  little 
liquid  silicate  of  potash  (water  glass),  and  the  whole  fused  in 
a  silver  crucible  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  The  cold  mass  is 
then  dissolved  in  water,  the  silica  precipitated  with  a  solution 
of  sal-ammoniac,  and  filtered  off.  To  the  filtrate,  acidulated 
with  HC1,  we  add  a  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  and  preci- 
pitate with  ammonia  the  fluoride  of  calcium.  This,  after  being 
well  dried,  is  further  tested  with  sulphuric  acid. 

6.  WET  REAGENTS  GENERALLY.     WATER  =H2O. 

In  all  analytical  operations  for  solutions  of  other  reagents, 
etc.,  pure  distilled  water  ought  to  be  used. 

Hydrochloric  or  Muriatic  ac/c?  =  HCl,  both  concentrated 
and  diluted. 

Nitric  acid  =  HNO3,  both  concentrated  and  diluted. 

Aqua  regia,  nitro-muriatic  acid,  is  a  mixture  of  2-4  parts  of 
concentrated  hydrochloric  and  1  part  of  nitric  acid. 


68  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Sulphuric  acid  (oil  of  vitriol)  =  HaSO4  or  S03-f  H2O,  con- 
centrated and  diluted  with  water.* 

Common  phosphoric  acid  or  (Ortho-phosphoric  acid)  = 
P2OS+3H2O  or  (H3PO4).  It  can  easily  be  prepared  from 
phosphorus  and  (diluted)  nitric  acid. 

Ammonia.  Ammonic  hydrate.  Liquor  ammonice,  AmllO 
=NH3HO  -=  NH4O. 

Carbonate  of  Ammonia.     Ammonic  carbonate  (NHt,  COS). 

Chloride  of  ammonia.  Ammonic  chloride.  Sal~ammoniac=. 
AmCl.(N4Ci). 

Phosphate  of  soda.     Sodic  phosphate  —  (Na2HP04,12H2O). 

The  commercial  salt  ought  to  be  purified  by  solution  in  water 
and  recrystallized  by  evaporation. 

Nitrate  of  baryta,  Baric  nitrate  =  Ba2N03. 

Nitrate  of 'silver,  Lunar  caustic,  Argentic  nitrate  — AgNfK 

Chloride  of  platinum  =  PtCl4. 

Place  a  fragment  of  platinum  in  a  little  aqua  regia  and  set 
the  vessel  aside  in  a  warm  place,  adding  more  acid  from  time 
to  time  if  necessary,  a  solution  of  perchloride  of  platinum  = 
PtCl4  results.  Evaporate  the  solution  to  remove  excess  of 
acid,  and  complete  the  desiccation  (drying)  over  a  water-bath. 
Dissolve  the  residue  in  10  parts  of  water  as  a  reagent  for  de- 
tecting potassa  in  the  presence  of  soda  and  lithia.  It  precipi- 
tates, however,  also  salts  of  ammonia. 

MoJybdate  of  Ammonia  =  (NH4)2MoO4.  It  is  obtained  by 
pulverizing  and  roasting  the  native  sulphide  of  molybdenum  — 
MoS2,  whereby  molybdic  tri-oxide,  or  anhydride  =  MoO3,  is 
formed  ;  dissolve  tlie  latter  in  water,  adding  ammonia,  filtering, 
evaporating,  and  crystallizing. 

To  prepare  the  molybdenum  solution  used  for  precipitating 
phosphoric  and  arsenic  acids,  100  grams  of  molybdenum  tri- 
oxide  are  dissolved  in  50  c.c.  ordinary  aqueous  ammonia,  and 
80  c.c.  water,  and  pouring  the  solution  into  a  mixture  of  500 

*  In  diluting  "oil  of  vitriol"  the  acid  must  gradually,  and  little  at 
a  time,  be  pqured  into  water  ;  the  reverse  action  may  prove  very  dan- 
gerous. 


THE    MOUTH    BLOWPIPE.  69 

c.c.  nitric  acid  and  300  c.c.  water,  and  if  a  precipitate  forms  it 
must  be  filtered  off. 

Oxalate  of  ammonia  or  Oxalate  of  ammonium  =  2(NH4)2 
C2O4,  can  be  synthetically  prepared  according  to  the  following 
formula  : 


2H,C204  +   N4H16C308  =  2(NH4)2C204  +   3CO2  +   2H2O 

Oxalic  Carbonate  of  Oxalate  of  Carbonic  Water. 

acid.  ammonium.  ammonium.  di-oxide 

set  free. 

To  a  nearly  boiling  solution  of  1  part  of  oxalic  acid  in  about 
8  of  water,  add  carbonate  of  ammonium  uutil  the  liquid  is  neu- 
tral to  test-papers,  filter  while  hot,  and  set  aside  for  the  forma- 
tion of  crystals.  The  mother  liquors  are  further  evaporated  to 
crystallization.  To  obtain  the  pure  salt  it  ought  to  be  re-crys- 
tallized a  second  time.  Dissolve  1  part  of  the  pure  salt  in  30 
parts  of  water. 

Caustic  potash  or  Potassic  hydrate  =  KHO  or  K2O,H2O. 
Dissolve  some  sticks  of  potassa  in  water,  and  separate  the  clear 
solution  from  the  sediment  (Si02,Al2O3)  by  decantation. 

Chloride  of  barium.     Baric  chloride  =  BaCl2. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

BLOWPIPE  ANALYSIS  AND  APPARATUS. 
1.  THE  MOUTH  BLOWPIPE. 

THIS  simple  instrument  of'  very  ancient  origin  is  a  most 
convenient  apparatus  for  heating,  melting,  volatilizing,  oxidiz- 
ing, or  reducing  mineral  substances  on  a  small  scale.  By  blow- 
ing air  into  the  interior  of  a  flame,  always  a  burning  gas, 
i.  «.,  carbo-hydrogen,  the  combustion  is  of  course  rendered 
more  complete  and  rapid,  and  hence  the  intensity  of  heat  in 
creased.  It  is  of  the  greatest  service  to  the  chemist,  mine- 


70  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ralogist,  and  practical  miner,  for  the  recognition  of  minerals 
and  ores,  and  the  detection  of  certain  chemical  constituents, 
such  as  metals  and  others. 

The  improved  chemical  blowpipe,  Fig.  66,  consists  of  a 
chamber,  c,  near  the  extremity  of  the  instrument,  which  col- 
lects the  condensed  moisture  ;  this  is  connected  with  two  tubes 


Fig.  66. 


Fig.  67. 


Fig.  68. 


with  ground  joints.  To  the  longer  one,  a,  is  attached  a  mouth- 
piece for  blowing,  of  different  shapes,  and  made  of  horn  or 
ivory.  The  shorter  exit-tube  is  generally  furnished  with  a 
movable  tip,  e,  made  of  solid  platinum,  which  may  be  easily 
cleansed  from  soot  collecting  upon  it  by  simply  heating  it  in 
the  flame  of  a  spirit-lamp. 

The  best  shape  of  the  tip  is  that  represented  in  its  natural 
size,  Fig.  66,  at  e  ;  it  always  produces  a  well-defined  and  conical 
flame.  Fig.  67  represents  Plattner's  blowpipe,*  with  gas-blast 
attachment,  and  marked  regulating  stopcock.  The  above 


*  This  convenient  blowpipe  is  used  at  Harvard  College  laboratory, 
and  is  highly  recommended. 


BLOWING    WITH    THE    BLOWPIPE.  71 

attachment  is  sold  separate  from  the  rest  of  the  blowpipe,  and 
can  be  fastened  to  other  blowpipes. 

Fig.  68  is  Fletcher's  hot-blast  chemical  blowpipe — a  pattern 
of  the  ordinary  chemical  blowpipe  with  the  patent  hot-blast 
arrangement. 

2.  BLOWING  WITH  THE  BLOWPIPE. 

To  keep  up  a  continuous  current  of  air  through  the  blowpipe 
is  at  first  a  difficult  task.  This,  however,  is  easily  overcome 
by  attending  to  the  following  directions:  Closing  the  mouth, 
keep  the  cheeks  distended  with  air  during  a  number  of  inspira- 
tions and  expirations  performed  through  the  nostrils.  Next 
attempt  the  same  with  the  ivory  mouth-piece  of  the  blowpipe 
between  the  lips.  Now,  as  this  provides  an  exit  for  the  air  in 
the  mouth,  unless  a  fresh  supply  be  kept  up  from  the  lungs,  the 
cheeks  will  soon  collapse  ;  in  order  to  prevent  this,  at  the 
moment  of  inspiration  through  the  nose,  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
air  must  be  allowed  to  enter  the  mouth  to  preserve  their  dis- 
tension. In  this  way  the  air  in  the  mouth  is  constantly  sub- 
ject to  the  same  compression,  and  flows  in  a  uniform  manner 
from  the  little  orifice.  Having  thus  acquired  the  habit  of 
keeping  up  a  continued  stream  of  air  from  the  blowpipe,  the 
beak  with  platinum  cap  is  now  brought  within  the  border  of 
the  flame. 

A  good  way  to  acquire  a  practical  knowledge  of  this  instru- 
ment, and  of  the  effects  of  the  different  parts  of  the  flame,  is  to 
convert,  for  instance,  a  minute  piece  of  lead,  placed  upon  char- 
coal, into  oxide  of  lead,  by  exposing  it  to  the  outer  flame,  and 
afterwards  to  reduce  this  oxide,  i.  e.,  to  restore  it  to  its  original 
metallic  state  by  heating  it  in  the  inner  flame.  The  reduction  is 
much  facilitated  by  an  admixture  of  soda  or  cyanide  of  potassium. 

flaming,  Flattern  (Germ.);  Flamber  (French) — In  many 
cases  when  a  transparent  bead  is  intermittingly  heated  in  the 
flame,  or  is  repeatedly  taken  out  oT  the  flame,  peculiar  effects 
are  obtained.  This  operation  has  obtained  the  name  of  "  flam- 
ing." Clear  beads  frequently  become  opaque,  milk-white,  or 


72 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


even  colored.  This  depends  upon  the  fact  that  certain  com- 
pounds which  dissolve  at  a  high  temperature  separate  out  on 
being  heated  to  a  somewhat  lower  temperature,  appearing  as 
peculiar  crystals,  which  are  sufficiently  well  formed  in  most 
cases  to  be  visible  under  the  microscope  when  the  bead  has 
been  flattened  whilst  hot,  or  when  it  has  been  dissolved  in 
dilute  acid  so  as  to  isolate  the  crystals. 

3.  THE  BLOWPIPE  FLAME. 

The  blowpipe  serves  to  conduct  a  continuous  fine  current  of  uir 
into  a  gas-flame,  or  into  the  flame  of  a  candle  or  oil  lamp.    The' 
flame  of  a  candle  (and  equally  so  that  of  gas  or  of  an  oil  lamp), 
burning  under  ordinary  circumstances,  is  seen  to  consist  of 
three  distinct  parts,  as  shown  in  Fig.  69,  viz.,  1st,  a  dark  nu- 

Fig.  69. 


Atmospheric  oxygeu. 


JfoO 


cleus  in  the  centre,  «,  a' ;  2d,  a  luminous  cone  surrounding  this 
nucleus,  c, /,  g;  and  3d,  a  feebly  luminous  mantle  encircling 
the  whole  flame,  />,  c,  d.  The  dark  nucleus  is  formed  by  the 
gases  which  the  heat  evolves  from  the  tallow  or  oil,  and  whieli 


THE    BLOWPIPE    FLAME.  73 

cannot  burn  here  for  want  of  oxygen.  In  the  luminous  cone 
these  gases  come  in  contact  with  a  certain  amount  of  air,  in- 
sufficient for  their  complete  combustion.  In  this  part,  there- 
fore, it  is  principally  the  hydrogen  of  the  carbides  of  hydrogen 
evolved  which  burns,  while  the  carbon  separates  in  a  state 
of  intense  ignition,  thus  imparting  to  the  flame  the  highly 
luminous  appearance  observed.  In  the  outer  coat  the  access 
of  air  is  no  longer  limited,  and  all  the  gases  not  yet  burned  are 
consumed  here.  This  part  of  the  flame  is  the  hottest ;  oxidiz- 
able  bodies  oxidize  therefore  with  the  greatest  possible  rapidity 
when  placed  in  it,  since  all  the  conditions  of  oxidation  are  here 
united,  viz.,  high  temperature  and  an  unlimited  supply  of 
oxygen.  This  outer  part  of  the  flame  is  therefore  called  the 
oxidizing  flame. 

On  the  other  hand,  oxides  having  a  tendency  to  yield  up  their 
oxygen,  suffer  reduction  when  placed  within  the  luminous  part 
of  the  flame,  the  oxygen  being  withdrawn  from  them  by  the 
carbon  and  the  still  unconsumed  carbide  of  hydrogen  present 
in  this  sphere.  The  luminous  part  of  the  flame  is  therefore 
called  the  reducing  flame.  The  effect  of  blowing  a  fine  current 
of  air  across  the  flame  is,  first,  to  alter  the  shape  of  the  latter, 
which,  from  tending  upward,  is  now  driven  sideways  in  the 
direction  of  the  blast,  and  at  the  same  time  lengthened  and 
narrowed  ;  and,  in  t]ie  second  place,  to  extend  the  sphere  of 
combustion  from  the  outer  to  the  inner  part.  As  the  latter 
circumstance  causes  an  extraordinary  increase  of  the  heat  of 
the  flame,  and  the  former  a  concentration  of  that  heat  within 
narrower  limits,"  it  is  easy  to  understand  the  exceedingly  ener- 
getic action  of  the  blowpipe  flame.  The  way  of  holding  the 
blowpipe,  and  the  nature  of  the  current,  will  always  depend 
upon  the  precise  object  in  view,  viz.,  whether  the  operator  wants 
a  reducing,  or  an  oxidizing  flame.  The  easiest  way  of  pro- 
ducing efficient  flames  of  both  kinds  is  by  means  of  coal-gas 
delivered  from  a  tube.  The  task  of  keeping  the  blowpipe 
steadily  in  the  proper  position  may  be  greatly  facilitated  by 
7 


74 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


resting  that  instrument  firmly   upon   some   movable  metallic 
support,  such  as,  for  instance,  Bunsen's  gas-lamp,  Fig.  83. 

Fig.  70  shows  the  flame  for  reducing,  and  Fig.  71  the  flame 
for  oxidizing. 

Fig.  70. 


Fig.  71 


The  reducing  flame  is  produced  by  keeping  the  tip  of  the 
blowpipe  just  on  the  border  of  a.  tolerably  strong  gas-flame,  and 
driving  a  moderate  blast  across  it.  The  resulting  mixture  of 
the  air  with  the  gas  is  imperfect,  and  there  remains  between 
the  inner  bluish  part  of  the  flame,  and  the  outer  barely  visible 
part,  a  luminous  and  reducing  zone,  of  which  the  hottest  point 
lies  somewhat  beyond  the  apex  of  the  inner  cone. 


SUPPORTS    FOR    THE    ASSAY. 


75 


To  produce  the  oxidizing  flame,  the  gas  is  lowered,  the  tip 
of  the  blowpipe  pushed  a  little  further  into  the  flame,  and  the 
strength  of  the  current  somewhat  increased.  This  serves  to 
effect  an  intimate  mixture  of  the  air  and  gas,  and  an  inner 
pointed  bluish  cone,  slightly  luminous  towards  the  apex,  is 
formed  and  surrounded  by  a  thin,  pointed,  light  bluish,  barely 
visible  mantle.  The  hottest  part  of  the  flame  is  at  the  apex  of 
the  inner  cone.  Difficultly  fusible  bodies  are  exppsed  to  this 
part  to  effect  their  fusion  ;  but  bodies  to  be  oxidized  are  held  a 
little  beyond  the  apex,  that  there  may  be  no  want  of  air  for 
their  combustion. 

»  • 

4.  SUPPORTS  FOR  THE  ASSAY. 

I.  Charcoal,  well  burnt  and  of  uniform  texture,  forms  an 
ordinary  support  for  assays.  The  piece  should  be  about  six 
inches  long,  one  end  wrapped  in  paper,  and  in  the  other  a  small 
cavity  must  be  cut,  half  the  size  of  a  pea,  either  with  the  point 


Fi 


Fi*.  73. 


Fig.  74. 


of  a  knife,  or  by  means  of  charcoal  borers,  Figs.  72,  73,  and 
74.  Fig.  75  represents  two  forms,  after  Plattner,  with  wooden 
handles ;  a  is  club  shaped,  b  is  four  cornered.  The  heating  of  an 
assay  on  charcoal  in  the  blowpipe  flame  is  illustrated  in  Fig.  76. 


76 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Fig.  75. 


Fig.  76. 


II.  Porcelain  Supporters — Foster  and  Fletcher  in  England 
use  pieces  of  glazed  porcelain  made  of  the  size  and  shape  of 
charcoal  supporters.     On  the  end  of  these  porcelain  plates  are 
cavities  into  which  small  pieces  of  charcoal  are  fitted,  upon 
the  surface  of  which  the  blowpipe  assay  is  placed.     The  whole 
surface  of  the  porcelain  is  blackened  over  a  lamp.     This  coat  of 
soot  takes  up  and  exhibits  films  or  coatings  as  well  as  charcoal. 

III.  Aluminium  Plate  as  a  Support  in  Blowpipe  Analysis. 
— The  latest  and  best  substitute  for  charcoal  is  aluminium  foil, 
first  introduced   by  Colonel  W.  A.  Ross.*     A  strip  of  such 
foil  should  be  5  inches  long,  1J  inch  wide,  and  about  the  thick- 
ness of  a  ten  cent  piece ;  one  end  should  be  turned  up  to  form 
a  ledge,  as  directed  by  Ross,  this  ledge  being  between  J  to  J 
inch  wide,  and  making  rather  less  than  a  right  angle  with  the 
rest  of  the  plate.     Sheet  aluminium,  even  of  much  greater 
thickness  than  this,  can  be  bent  easily  without  any  cracking, 
by  heating  it  in  a  Bunsen  burner,  and  working  it  while  hot.f 

*  Alphabetical  Manual  of  Blowpipe  Analysis  by  Lieut.-Colonel 
W.  A.  Ross.  London  :  Triibner  &  Co.,  1880. 

f  Messrs.  Johnson,  Matthey  &  Co.  in  London  are  recommended  as 
dealers  by  Col.  Ross.  They  furnish  it  of  any  thickness  or  dimensions 
for  7s.  6d.  per  ounce.  Some  German  aluminium  plates  of  somewhat 
lesser  thickness  the  writer  found  impure,  and  fusing  too  easily  over 
a  Bunsen  burner. 


SUPPORTS    FOR    THE    ASSAY.  77 

After  turning  up  the  ledge,  and  rounding  off  the  edges  and 
corners  with  a  file,  the  plate  should  be  well  scoured  with  bone 
ash  and  polished  with  leather  and  whiting,  and  may  then  be 
used  for  a  long  time. 

The  test  samples  are  either  placed  directly  upon  the  metallic 
edgfe,  or  are  received  on  a  small  piece  of  charcoal  half  an  inch 
square,  and  of  the  thickness  of  a  penny  piece,  which  can 
easily  be  cut  and  kept  ready  in  large  numbers. 

When  in  use  the  plate  is  best  held  with  spring  forceps, 
described  by  Ross,  though  other  forceps  can  be  made  to  serve 
the  purpose,  the  handles  being  covered  with  felt  or  flannel,  as 
they  get  very  hot.  It  is  held  so  as  to  be  almost  vertical,  only 
just  enough  inclined  to  prevent  the  assay  and  the  slip  of  char- 
coal from  falling  off  the  ledge.  A  little  practice  enables  the 
worker  to  hold  it  quite  steadily  with  as  much  ease  as  he  does 
the  ordinary  piece  of  charcoal.  The  plate,  it  is  said,  is  not 
only  a  great  gain  as  to  portability,  cleanliness,  and  economy, 
but  also  gives,  in  most  cases,  much  better  indications  of  the 
volatile  substances  sought  for,  which  collect  upon  the  larger 
vertical  portion  of  the  plate.  Such  a  plate  will  last  any  length 
of  time,  as  the  hottest  blowpipe  flame,  even  one  worked  with  a 
small  handblower,  does  it  no  injury,  and  there  is  scarcely  any 
substance  (except  melted  gold)  which  may  not  be  heated 
directly  upon  it  with  perfect  safety.  The  one  side  being  kept 
for  sublimates,  the  other  may  be  used  for  such  purposes  as 
calcining  sulphides,  etc.,  before  testing  in  beads,  for  which  it 
is  far  superior  to  charcoal,  especially  in  the  case  of  very  fusible 
minerals.  A  fragment  of  the  substance  about  half  the  size  of 
a  small  pea,  or  if  it  decrepitates,  a  corresponding  amount  of 
powder  made  to  a  paste  with  water,  is  laid  upon  the  ledge  close 
up  to  the  angle. 

The  following  are  the  principal  advantages  of  aluminium 
over  charcoal,  according  to  W.  M.  Hutchings  : — 

1.  It  enables  us  to  get  several  sublimates  in  succession  from 
the  same  fragment  of  substance.  Heated  very  gently  on  the 

7* 


78  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

bare  plate,  only  the  most  volatile  constituents  are  given  off.* 
As  the  heat  increases,  more  and  more  are  given  off,  but  a 
limit  is  reached  beyond  which  nothing  is  obtained,  the  less 
volatile  constituents  not  being  given  off  at  all,  or  only  very 
slightly,  as  long  as  the  substance  is  cooled  by  lying  directly  on 
the  aluminium.  The  same  fragment  being  then  placed  on  a 
slip  of  charcoal  on  the  ledge,  these  less  volatile  constituents 
are  obtained  in  the  separate  sublimates. 

2.  The  sublimates  are  generally  much  more  concentrated  on 
the  aluminium,  as  compared  with  ordinary  charcoal,  which, 
when  exposed  to  the  flame  for  any  length  of  time,  gets  red  hot 
some  distance  in  front  of  the  assay.     The  aluminium  remains 
comparatively  cool;  and  the  vertical  surface  prevents  the  subli- 
mates being  swept  along  by  the  blast  as  much  as  on  the  nearly 
horizontal  charcoal. 

3.  When  the  sublimate  is  once  formed,  the  aluminium  has 
no  further  action  upon  it,  and  many  very  characteristic  changes 
may  be  observed  by  applying  an  oxidizing  or  reducing  flame, 
most  of  which  cannot  be  obtained  at  all  on  charcoal,  partly 
because  its  being  black  would  hide  them,  but  chiefly  because 
it  immediately  begins  to  glow  under  the  sublimates  when  the 
flame  is  applied  to  them. 

5.  FUEL  LAMPS. 

1,  Good  stearine  candles  will  answer  for  most  purposes. 

2.  Olive  Oil., — A  much  better  fuel  is  olive  oil  or  rape-seed 
oil,  burnt  in  a  brass  lamp  having  a  circular  neck.     This  and 
the  .opening  for  filling  the  lamp  are  covered  by  screw  caps,  pre- 
venting .all  leakage. 

Fig.  77  represents  the  form  of  blowpipe  lamp  invented  by 
Berzelius,  and  improved  by  Plattner. 

Fig.  78  is  the  Freiburg  pattern  of  the  same  style  of  lamp  as 
the  preceding,  but  revolves  on  its  axis,  permitting  the  flame 
from  the  blowpipe  to  be  directed  at  any  angle. 

*  When  first  applying  heat,  the  point  of  the  blowpipe  flame  ought 
to  be  held  at  a  distance  of  1-2  cm.  from  the  assay. 


FUEL    LAMPS. 


79 


Another    convenient    lamp  for   using   oil    or  petroleum    is 
Fletcher's  improved  blowpipe  lamp,  Fig.  79. 


Fig.  77. 


Fig.  78. 


The  wick  holder  will  be  found  one  of  the  best  forms  ever 
made,  in  addition  to  the  fact  that  the  angle  can  be  adjusted  as 

Fig.  79. 


required  by  simply  revolving  it  in  the  fixed  collar.  The  wick 
holder,  J,  lifts  out  for  refilling.  The  lamp  is  engraved  half  size. 
An  ordinary  alcohol  lamp  of  glass,  Fig.  80,  may  also  be 
used  for  blowpipe  experiments,  if  the  alcohol  is  mixed  with 
turpentine  or  benzol  (1  part  of  turpentine  or  3  parts  of  benzol 
to  12  parts  of  strong  alcohol  of  80  to  90  per  cent.). 


80 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


3.  Solid  Fats -Lamps  filled  with  solid  fats,  such  as  tallow, 

paraffine,  etc.,  have  lately  been  introduced,  which  are  convenient 
in  traveling.  Fig.  81  exhibits  a  modified  form  of  the  previously 
described  lamp  of  Fletcher.  It  is  made  for  tallow  or  solid  fats 
for  traveling.  When  tallow,  etc.,  is  used,  the  operation  must 
be  commenced  by  first  blowing  the  flame  downwards  to  melt  the 
solid  fat  round  the  .wick.  The  heat  of  the  flame  will  keep  it 
fused  afterwards  for  any  length  of  time.  This  pattern  can  be 
used  with  solid  or  liquid  fats  of  any  kind,  and  is  a  perfect 
traveler's  lamp.  Size,  when  closed,  2  in.  by  2  in.  Trim  the 
wick  always  while  the  lamp  is  hot,  when  hard  fats  are  used. 


Fig.  80. 


Fig.  82. 


The  curved  bottom  of  the  lamp  should  stand  on  the  open  end 
of  the  cover  when  in  use.  This  makes  a  steady  base,  and 
admits  of  adjustment  of  the  angle  of  wick  without  reversing 
or  re-trimming. 

In  Foster's  lamp,  Fig.  82,  solid  fat  is  likewise  used,  e.  g., 
paraffine  or  tallow.  It  serves  as  a  traveler's  lamp,  and  consists 
of  a  cylindrical  vessel,  A,  to  which  the  wick  holder,  B,  is 
soldered.  When  in  use,  the  flame  is  at  first  directed  down- 
wards  to  melt  the  fat  next  to  the  wick,  after  which  it  yields  a 
steady  flame  for  hours.  The  cover,  C,  forms  also  a  support, 
and  is  fastened  by  a  bayonet-socket,  D  (d). 


FIXED    BLOWPIPI^    AND    BLAST-LAMPS. 


81 


Fig 


G.  ILLUMINATING  GAS. 

The  most  convenient  combustible  for  blowpipe  work  is 
illuminating  gas.  The  burner  used  is  the  ordinary  Bunsen 
gas-burner,  Fig.  83.  For  this 
purpose  it  is  provided  with  an 
extra  tube,  g  A,  to  slip  over  the 
small  gas  jet  at  j,  in  the  inte- 
rior of  the  burner,  e  f,  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  shut  off  all  ex- 
cess of  air  at  a.  The  tube  is 
flattened  at  the  top,  see  /,  and 
made  a  trifle  lower  at  one  side, 
so  that  the  blowpipe  flame  may 
be  directed  downward  when 
necessary.  The  gas  is  then 
lighted  at  the  flattened  end,  h.  A 
cock,  at  the  foot  of  the  burner 
for  regulating  the  flow  of  the 
gas  is  useful. 

When  testing  substances  for 
sulphur,  the  gas  flame  should  not 

be   employed,  since    the  ordinary  coal    gas    contains   usually 
enough  of  sulphur  to  vitiate  the  results. 

7.  FIXED  BLOWPIPES  AND  BLAST-LAMPS. 

For  many  experiments  it  is  of  great  advantage  to  have  the 
blowpipe  fixed  to  a  support  in  order  to  leave  the  hands  free  for 
manipulation.  The  following,  Fig.  84,  represents  an  improved 
Herapath  blowpipe  for  general  use.  This  is  a  modification  of 
the  well-known  Herapath,  from  which  it  differs  in  its  great 
simplicity,  and  in  its  power  of  adjustment  in  any  possible 
position.  The  jet  tube  may  be  raised  or  lowered  to  any  height, 
and  turned  in  any  direction.  A  touch  will  direct  the  flame  on 
any  point  while  the  blowpipe  stands  in  the  same  position  on 


82 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


the  table ;  there  being  no  necessity  for  raising,  lowering,  or 
adjusting  work  before  it. 

Fig.  85,  letter  c,  represents  a  blowing  machine  to  be  worked 
either  by  the  hand  or  the  foot;  it  forces  air  into  the  expanding 
regulator,  &,  and  thence  in  a  regular  blast  into  the  blowpipe,  a. 
The  attachment  on  the  stand  permits  motion  in  any  direction. 


Fig.  86  is  a  blast-lamp  for  gas;  brass,  small  size.  The  blast 
may  be  furnished  from  either  the  mouth  or  small  bellows.  The 
flame  can  be  turned  in  any  direction. 

Fig.  85. 


Fig.  87,  Fletcher's  special  Chemical  Blowpipe  with  folding 
stand,  adjustable  at  any  height  or  angle.    It  can  be  used  either 


FIXED    BLOWPIPES    AND    IJLAST-LAMPS. 


83 


with  the  mouth,  or  the  small  hand  blower  can  be  attached  and 
the  blowing  done  by  the  lingers.  With  this  blowpipe  is  supplied 
one  jet  with,  and  one  without  the  patent  coil,  to  enable  a  larger 
variety  of  flame  to  be  obtained.  The  lamp  or  a  weight  should 
be  placed  on  the  stand  when  in  use.  The  blower  when  not  in 
use  shuts  up  flat  for  the  pocket.  The  pressure  of  air  is  ad- 
justed by  a  delicate  lever  tap  on  the  air  tube. 

Fig.  87. 


Fig.  88  represents  double  bellows  for  hand  use ;  two  rubber 
bulbs  for  use  with  the  blowpipe  or  other  small  blasts. 

Fig.  88. 


Fig.  89  is  Bunsen's  improved  gas-blowpipe  and  blast-lamp 
united.  The  nozzle  of  the  blowpipe,  a,  is  surrounded  with  a 
brass  casing,  b.  The  blast  from  a  double  bellows  is  thrown 
through  a  flame  of  illuminating  gas,  giving  sufficient  heat  to 
ignite  a  crucible,  and  can  also  be  used  as  a  glass-blower's  lamp 
or  blowpipe.  The  flame  can  be  turned  in  any  direction.  Three 
different  brass  nozzles,  adapted  for  different  purposes,  accom- 
pany each. 


84 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


The  following  devices,  invented  and  patented  by  Thomas 
Fletcher,  are  very  excellent  patterns  of  blowpipes  : — 

Fig.  89. 


Air. 


Gas. 


1st.  The  Automaton  Blowpipe — This  blowpipe  (Fig.  90)  is 
mounted  on  a  stand,  with  a  universal  ball-joint,  so  as  to  enable 
it  to  be  used  at  any  angle  or  in  any  position.  The  ball-joint 
can  be  secured  fast  in  position. 

It  is  simple,  self-adjusting  for  both  gas  and  air,  requiring 
only  a  slight  motion  of  a  small  lever  to  obtain  instantly  any 
flame,  from  the  smallest  to  the  largest. 

It  has  all  the  delicacy  of  the  best  mouth  blowpipe  used  with 
the  utmost  skill,  with  the  power  and  advantages  obtained  with 
a  mechanical  blower. 

A  slight  motion  from  side  to  side  of  the  pin  A  changes  the 
power  and  character  of  the  flame  instantly  as  required,  or  stops 
the  power  without  extinguishing  the  flame,  the  blowpipe  being 
both  self-lighting  and  self-adjusting. 

2d.  The  Automaton  Hand  Blowpipe Fig.  91  shows  the 

hand  blowpipe,  with  both  tubes  underneath,  and  will  be  found 


FIXED    BLOWPIPES    AND    BLAST-LAMPS. 


85 


the  most  convenient  pattern  for  small  work,  brazing,  anneal- 
ing, etc. 

The  power  of  a  blowpipe  depends  not  only  on  the  size  of  the 
air-jet  and  gas  supply,  but  on  the  pressure  of  the  air  supplied 

Fig.  91. 


by  the  blower.  The  foot-blowers  are  so  perfect  for  all  blow- 
pipe work  as  to  leave  nothing  to  be  desired.  After  ten  years 
they  remain  beyond  the  possibility  of  improvement  in  the 
slightest  detail,  unapproached  by  any  other  form. 

Fig.  02. 


3^7.  Fletcher's  New  Patent  Month  Blowpipe. — Fig.  92  re- 
presents this  blowpipe.  The  improved  nickel-plated  mouth- 
piece, c,  is  said  to  cause  no  strain  on  the  lips,  while  the  tongue 
has  the  necessary  control  over  the  opening. 


86  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  blowpipe  proper  is  held  as  a  pencil,  the  chamber,  A,  on 
the  stem  stops  all  condensed  moisture,  and  prevents  the  heat 
traveling  up  the  end ;  it  is  sold  with  two  tips,  A,  for  cold,  and 
J5,  hot  blast.  It  might  easily  be  fastened  to  an  immovable 
stand,  and  connected  with  a  hand-  or  foot-blower. 

4th.  Fletcher's  Hot-Blast  Blowpipe Figs.  93  and  94 

represent  this  blowpipe  for  temperatures  above  the  power  of 
ordinary  gas  and  air  blowpipes.  As  will  be  seen  from  the 

Fig.  93.  Fig.  94. 


engraving,  the  air-pipe  is  coiled  round  the  gas-pipe  in  a  spiral 
form,  and  both  are  heated  by  three  small  Bunsen  burners 
underneath,  which  are  controlled  by  a  separate  stopcock. 
The  power  of  this  arrangement  is  about  double  that  of  an 
ordinary  blowpipe;  and  when  the  jet  is  turned  down  to  a  small 
point  of  flame  it  will  readily  fuse  a  moderately  thick  platinum 
wire.  In  power  it  is  nearly  equal  to  the  oxy-hydrogen  jet, 
and  it  is  a  good  arrangement,  both  for  chemical  purposes  and 
also  for  soldering  and  general  use.  They  are  made  with  three 
sizes  of  jet :  small,  for  chemical  purposes  ;  medium  and  large, 
for  soldering,  etc.;  and  the  size  of  jet  or  the  purpose  for  which 
it  is  required  should  be  specified  in  ordering. 


PLATINUM    APPARATUS    AND    APPLIANCES. 


87 


8.  PLATINUM  APPARATUS  AND  APPLIANCES. 

Platinum  wire  is  used  as  a  support  when  an  assay  is  to 
be  fused  with  borax  or  salt  of  phosphorus  (Ex.,  S.  Ph.),  etc.,  to 


Fig.  95. 


n  -P 


Fig.  96. 


ascertain  the  color  of  the  beads  produced.  One  extremity  of 
the  wire,  about  three  inches  long  and  of  the  thickness  of  horse- 
hair, is  bent  into  a  hook  or  is  coiled.  This  wire  may  be  fused 
into  a  small  glass-tube  for  a  handle  (Fig.  95).  Before  being 
used,  it  Should  be  thoroughly  cleaned,  by  placing  it  in  dilute 
sulphuric  acid  and  rinsing  with  water. 

Platinum  spoons  (Fig.  96,  natural  size)  are  very  useful  for 
melting  assays  and  other  operations.  A  glass,  wooden  or  cork- 
handle  should  be  adapted  to  it.  A  piece  of  platinum  foil, 
properly  bent,  may  answer  for  the  same  purpose  as  a  spoon. 


88 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Forceps  with  platinum  points  (Fig.  97)  to  hold  small  laminre 
of  minerals  in  the  flame  to  ascertain  their  fusibility. 

Fig.  97. 


9.  TUBES  OF  HARD  GLASS,  FREE  FROM  LEAD. 

They  are  one-twelfth  to  one-fourth  incli  in  diameter,  and  four 
to  six  inches  long,  and  are  absolutely  necessary.  They  serve 
for  the  ignition  of  mineral  fragments  in  a  current  of  air.  The 
substance  is  placed  near  the  end,  and  the  tube  is  then  held 

Fig.  98.     • 


somewhat  inclined,  either  in  the  flame  of  a  Bunsen  burner  or 
of  the  blowpipe.     To  prevent  the  falling  out  of  the  substance 


Fig.  99, 


Fig.  100. 


the  tube  may  be  slightly  bent  as  represented  in  Fig.  98.     For 
each  new  operation  a  clean  tube  must  be  employed. 


BLOWPIPE    REAGENTS.  89 

• 

Closed  tabes  and  glass  bulb-tubes,  or  matrasses  (Fig.  99), 
are  used  for  heating  bodies  out  of  contact  with  air.  They  are 
easily  made  of  hard  glass  tubing  before  a.  glass-blower's  lamp, 
or  a  Bunsen-burner  connected  with  a  blast,  as  previously 
described.  For  chemical  experiments  a  variety  of  soft  glass 
tubing  ought  to  be  on  hand ;  which,  in  the  flame  of  a  blast- 
lamp,  can  be  readily  bent  or  drawn  out  and  sealed  at  one  end. 

A  triangular  file  is  used  for  cutting  glass.  A  notch  is  cut 
in  one  side  of  the  tube,  when  it  is  .easily  broken  in  two. 

Watch-glasses  are  used  for  keeping  powdered  minerals  and 
for  various  other  purposes. 

For  other  accessory  apparatus — mortars,  flasks,  test-tubes, 
etc — see  Laboratory  Apparatus  and  Manipulations,  page 
38-58  ;  and  for  acids  and  other  chemicals,  see  Wet  Reagents, 
page  59-G9. 

10.  CUTTING  PLIERS  ;  STEEL  MAGNET  ;  MAGNETIC 
NEEDLE. 

Cutting  pliers  (Fig.  100)  are  useful  for  detaching  fragments 
from  mineral  specimens. 

A  common  steel  magnet  (Fig.  5,  page  39)  serves  to  recognize 
magnetic  bodies. 

A  magnetic  needle  (compass,  Fig.  6,  page  39)  is  useful  for 
delicate  determinations. 

11.  BLOWPIPE  REAGENTS. 

The  quantities  used  are  small  and'thei'e  are  but  few,  which, 
however,  have  to  be  scrupulously  pure.  The  dry  preparations 
are  generally  purchased  from  dealers. 

Carbonate  of  soda,  called  simply  soda,  Na2CO3.  Biborate 
of  soda  or  borax  with  water  of  crystallization  =  Na2O, 
2B2O3  +  10H3O  or  NaaB4O7  +  10H2O,  and  fused  boric  acid, 
=  B2O3,  for  the  detection  of  copper  in  lead.  Phosphate  of  soda 
and  ammonia,  or  salt  of  phosphorus  or  microcosmic  salt  = 
(Na2O,  NH4O,  H2O)  P2O5  +  4H2O  or  Na(NH4)HPO4  + 
4H2O).  Cyanide  of  potassium  =  KCN  or  KCy  (a  dangerous 

8*. 


90  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

poison).  Bisulpliate  of  potash  or  acid  potassium  sulphate 
HKSO4,  or  strong  H2SO4.  Nitrate  of  potash — saltpetre — 
K20,  N8O6,  or  KNO3.  Iodide  of  potassium,  KI.  Sulphur,  S. 
Flowers  of  sulphur.  Nitrate  of  cobalt,  Co(NO3)2  +  6H2O 
in  solution.  The  crystals  of  the  nitrate  are  dissolved  in  ten 
parts  of  water.  For  use  the  cobalt  solution  is  most  conveni- 
ently kept  in  dropping  glasses. 

Fig.  101,  a,  &,  c,  show  different  forms  of  this  apparatus. 
a,  according  to  Bunsen  ;  b  and  c,  according  to  Schuster,  with 
and  without  a  ground  glass-stopper. 


Oxalate  of  nickel,  or  nitrate  of  nickel,  Ni(NO3)2  -f  6H2O. 
Black  oxide  of  copper,  or  cupric  oxide  =  CuO.  Fluoride  of 
calcium  (Fluor  spar)  =  CaF2.  The  powder  must  be  deprived 
of  water  by  ignition.  Nitroprusside  of  sodium  for  detecting 
sulphur. 

Iron :  Fine  sifted  iron  filings.  Ferrum  pulveratum,  or 
alcoholisatum  of  the  druggists. 

Lead  :    Pure  lead  or  proof  lead. 

Tin  :    Strips  or  tin-foil. 

Zinc  :    Strips  of  common  sheet  zinc. 

Magnesium  :  Bits  of  foil  or  wire  are  useful  in  detecting 
phosphoric  acid.  . 

Silver-foil  for  the  detection  of  sulphur.  A  smooth  bright 
silver  coin,  however,  will  answer  every  purpose. 

Bone-ash  :  A  little  cup  of  bone  ashes,  called  a  cupel,  is 
used  for  the  cupellation  of  gold  and  silver. 

Test-papers:  Blue  litmus  paper,  red  litmus  paper,  turmeric 
paper,  and  Brazil  wood  paper. 

Charcoal. 


TESTS    OF    INORGANIC    SOLID    SUBSTANCES 

Aluminium  plate. 

A  small  alcohol  lamp. 

Bottle  for  hydrochloric  acid  to  test  for  carbon- 
ates, with  a  ground,  tight  glass  stopper,  reaching 
nearly  to  the  bottom,  thus  enabling  one 'to  with- 
draw and  use  a  single  drop  of  acid.  It  may  also 
be  used  for  cobalt  solution,  Fig.  102. 


12.  PRELIMINARY  TESTS  OF  INORGANIC  SOLID 
SUBSTANCES. 

The  substances  must  be  dry  and  in  the  form  of  fine  powders. 
In  most  of  the  following  experiments,  the  blowpipe  may  be 
replaced  by  a  Bunsen  burner.  The  beads  must  be  examined 
both  hot  and  cold. 


1.  Easily  volatilized 
when  heated  upon 
charcoal  (or  upon 
platinum  foil  or  in 
a  dry  test-tube). 

Water  ;  compounds  of  ammonia,  mercury,  and 
some  of  arsenic.  Sulphur  and  its  acids. 
Carbon  burns  by  ignition  in  the  air  ;  all 
organic  compounds  are  decomposed  when 
heated,  most  of  them  with  separation  of  carbon 
(blackening). 

2.  Deflagrate  when 
heated  upon  char- 
coal platinum. 

Nitrates,  chlorates,  iodates,  bromates,  etc.  ; 
common  salt,  and  other  salts,  as  likewise 
many  minerals,  decrepitate. 

3.  Fusible  without 
volatilizing  ami 
without  changing 
color. 

Most  salts  of  the  alkalies  and  some  of  those  of 
the  alkaline  earths.  After  intense  ignition  in 
the  R.  F.  they  color  moist  tutneric  paper 
brown. 

4.  B.  li.  infusible,  or 
difficultly  fusible, 
without  changing 
color. 

The  earths  and  their  salts  ;  most  of  the  alkaline, 
earths  and  their  salts.  When  heated  they  glow 
with  white  light.  The  earths  proper  show  no 
alkaline  reaction  after  ignition.  Silica  and 
many  of  its  compounds.  Metals  :  Fe,  Ni,  Co, 
PI,  Mo,  W,  Pd,  Ir,  Klff 

92 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


5.  Give  when  ignited 
with  soda  or  soda 
and  cyanide  of 
potassium  in  the 
R.  F.  upon  char- 
coal, or  the  lumin- 
ous flame  of  a 
Eunsen  burner. 


a.  Garlic  odor:   Most  compounds  of  arsenic. 

b.  Hepar:    All    compounds   of   sulphur.      The 

mass  when  moistened  blackens  silver,  and 
with  acids  develops  sulphide  of  hydrogen. 

c.  Metallic  grains:    Sn,    Ag,    Cu,    Au.      Gray 

magnetic  powder:  Fe,  Ni.  Co.  Non- 
magnetic: Mo,  W,  PI,  Ir.  Brittle:  Sb,  Bi. 
Malleable  :  Pb.  Incrustation  :  Zn  (white), 
Cd  (brown). 


6.  Give,  when  heated 
in  a  glass  open  at 
both  ends,  and 
held  obliquely. 


a.  Odorous  gases :  Metallic  sulphides,  of  burning 

sulphur.  Selenides,  of  decaying  radishes. 
Arsenides,  of  garlic.  Some  ammoniacal  salts 
yield  NH3  turning  moistened  red  litmus 
paper  blue. 

b.  Metallic  coating :    Mercury  and  arsenic  com- 

pounds. 

c.  White  coating:    Metallic    arsenides,    antimo- 

nides,  sulphide,  of  lead,  some  salts  of  am- 
monia, such  as  sal-ammoniac. 


7.  Color  the  non-lu- 
minous flame  of  a 
Bunseii  gas-lamp 
(O.F.). 


a.  Yellow:    Na. 

b.  Violet:    K,  Cs,  Rb. 

c.  Crimson:    Li,  Sr. 

d.  Blue:   As,  Sb,  Pb,  Se. 

e.  Green :   Boracic  acid ;  borates  after  moisten- 

ing with  sulphuric  acid. 


L  With  phosphorus 
salt  or  borax  upon 
platinum  wire  in 
O.  F.  and  R.  F. 


o.   Colorless  bead:   Silica. 

b.  Yellowish  brown  or  reddish :    Iron. 

c.  Amethyst  color:    in  O.  F.  (not  in  R.  F.)  man- 

ganese. 

d.  Blue:  copper  (in  the  0.  F.  only),  cobalt. 

e.  Yellowish- green:    Chromium. 


REACTIONS  OF  OXIDES  WITH  GENERAL  REAGENTS.   93 


CHAPTER  V. 

REACTIONS  OF  OXIDES  WITH  GENERAL  REAGENTS. 

THE.  folio  wing  reactions  of  oxides  with  borax  and  salt  of 
phosphorus  are  taken  from  Wurtz's  Dictionnaire  de  Chemie, 
vol.  i.,  art.  Chalumeau  ;  the  others  from  Landauer's  Lothrohr- 
analyse,  2d  edit.,  Berlin,  1881. 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


1.  BEHAVIOR  OF  METALLIC  OXIDES  WITH  BORAX. 


Color  of 
the  bead. 

In  the  oxidizing  flame. 

In  the  reduction  flame. 

Hot. 

Cold. 

Hot. 

Cold. 

Colorless. 

Si,  Al,Su,Ba,Sr 

SLAl,Sn,Ba,Sr, 

Si,  Al,  Sn,  Ba,Sr, 

Si.Al.Sn,  Di,  Mn, 

Ca,  Mg,  Gl,  Y, 

Ca,  Mg,  61,  Y, 

Ca,  Mg,  Gl,  Y, 

Ba,  Sr,  Ca,  Mg, 

Zr,  Th,  La,  Tef 

Zr,  Th,  La,  Te, 

Zr,  Th,  La,  De, 

Gl,  Y,  Zr,  Th, 

Ta,Nb,W,  Mo, 

Ta,  Kb,  Ti,  W, 

Mn,    Nb,   only 

(  saturated  ), 

Ti,  Zn,  Cd,  Pb, 

Mo,Zn,Cd,  Pb, 

in  s.  q.,  or  else 

La,      Ce,     Ta, 

Bi.  Sb,  only  in 
s.  q.  or  yellow. 

Mo,     Zn,     Ag, 
white    by    fl., 
Fe  in  s.  q. 

gray  and   op., 
Ag,Zn,Cd.  Pb, 
Bi,  Sb    Ni,  Te 

white  and  op. 
by  fl.,  Nb,  in  s. 
q.,  or  else  gray 

by  c.  b.  or  else 

and     op.,     Ag, 

gray  and  op. 

Zn,  Cd,  Pb,  Bi, 

Sb,  Ni,  Te,  by 

c.   b.,    or    else 

fray  and    op., 

e,  in  s.  q. 

Giay  and 

o]  aque. 

" 

11 

Air,  Zn,  Cd,   Pb,  Ag,  Zn,  Cd,  Pb, 
'Bi,  Si),  Ni,  Te,|     Bi.  Sb,  Ni,  Te, 

especially  cold      by  blowing  l:t- 

and    by    little!     tie,  or  else  co- 

blowing,     or         lorless  ;  Nb,  in 

-else    colorless, 

s.  q. 

Nb,  ins.  q. 

Very  pale 

Ag,  in  s.  q. 

Ag,  in  1.  q.  by  fl. 

«« 

" 

yellow. 

Pale  yel- 

Ag, Cd,  Zn,  in 

<« 

« 

« 

low. 

1.  q. 

Yellow. 

Ti,W,Pb,Sb,  Mo, 

Va,Fe,Ce,  white 

Ti,in  s.  q.  orel.se 

Mo  in    1.    q.  op., 

in   1.  q.,  U,  in 

op.  by    fl.,    U, 

bluish-  violet, 

and  brown,  W. 

s.  q. 

yellow,  op.  by 

Mo,  in  s.  q.,  in 

in  .1.  q.  brown. 

fl. 

1.  q.  brown,  W, 

Va. 

Orange. 

Or,  Fe,  in  1.  q., 
Bi,  in  1.  q. 

ii 

U. 

" 

Red. 

Ce 

" 

" 

a 

Deep  red. 

Fe,  in  1.  q. 

Mn  (violet-red). 

" 

" 

Brownish- 

Cr,U 

Ni 

Cu    by    blowing 

Cu,   by   blowing 

red. 

little  (muddy). 

little  (muddy). 

Violet. 

Mn,  Ni,  Di 

Di 

" 

Ti,  op.  by  fl. 

Blue. 

Co 

Co,    Cu    green 

Co 

Co,    Cu,    nearly 

when  getting 

colorless    by 

cold. 

c.  b. 

Green. 

Ca 

Cr,   yellowish 

Fe,Cr,  brownish. 

Fe,    U,    bottle- 

when   getting 

Cu,  nearly  col- 

green, Cr,  Va, 

cold. 

orless  by  c.  b. 

emerald-green. 

NOTE. — Abbreviations  employed:   s.  q.,  small  quantity;   1.  q.,  large  quantity; 
fl.,  by  flaming;   c.  b.,  continued  blowing;  op.,  opaque. 


METALLIC    OXIDES    WITH    SALT    OF    PHOSPHORUS. 


95 


2.  BEHAVIOR  OF  METALLIC  OXIDES  AVITH  SALT  OF 
PHOSPHORUS. 


Color  of 
the  bead. 

In  the  oxidizing  flame. 

In  the  reduction  flame. 

Hot. 

Cold. 

Hot. 

Cold. 

Colorless,  a 
portion  of 
tin-  sub- 
stance un- 
dissolved 
(silica 
skeleton).  • 

Si 

Si 

Si 

Si 

Colorless. 

Al,    Sn,    Ba,   Ca, 
Mg,  Gl,  Y,  Zr, 
Th,La,Nb,Te, 
in   all   propor- 
tions :   Tsi,  Ti, 
W,  Zn,  Cd,Pb, 
Bi,  Sb,  in  s.  q. 
or  else  trove  or 
less  yellow. 

Al,    Sn,   Ba,    Sr, 
Ca,  Mi;,  01,  Y, 
Zr,  Th,  La,  Te, 
W,  Zn,  Cd,  Pb, 
Bi,  Sb,  Fe,  in 
s.  q. 

Al,    Sn,    Ba,   Sr, 
Ca,  M«,  Gl,  Y, 
Zr,  Th,  La,  Ce, 
Di,  Mn,Ta,Ag, 
Zu,  Cd,  Pb,  Bi, 
Sb,  Ni,  Te,  by 
very   c.   b.,    or 
else   gray  and 
op. 

Al,  Sn,  Ba,  Sr, 
Co,  Mg,  Gl,  Y, 
Zr,  Th  (satura- 
ted),!^, op.  by 
fl.  Ce,  1)1,  Mn, 
Ta,  Ag,  Zn,Cd, 
Pb,  Bi,  Sb,  Ni, 
Te,  by  c.  b.  or 
else  gray  and 
op.  Fe  in  s.  q. 

Gray  and 
opaque. 

it 

- 

Ag,  Zn,  Cd,  Pb, 
Bi,  Sb,  especi- 
ally when  cold. 
Te,  Ni. 

Ag,  Zn,  Cd,  Pb, 
Bi,  Sb,  Te,  Ni. 

Pale  yel- 
low. 

Sb,  Zu,  in  1.  q. 

Ag,  Fe 

" 

Fe  (greenish  in 
l.q.). 

Yellow. 

Pb,  vervl.q.,Bi, 
Cd,  T'a,  Ti,  W, 
iu  l.q.,  Ag,Ca, 
Ni,  U,  Va,  Cr, 
Fe,  in  s.  q. 

Fe.in  l.q  ;  Ni,  in 
s.  q.,  U  (green- 
ish), Va. 

Ti 

Fe  (greenish  in 
l.q.). 

Orange. 

Cr,  Fe,  in  1.  q. 

Ni,  in  1.  q. 

Fe  in  s.  q.  Va. 

Fe  while  getting 
cold. 

Red. 

" 

" 

Fe  (browu) 

(i 

De.-p  red. 

(i 

" 

" 

Cu,  op. 

R<'ddish- 
bruwn. 

Fe,  Cr,  in  very 
l.q. 

" 

Cr 

Cu,  op. 

Violet. 

Mn,  Di 

Mn,  Di 

Nb  in  1.  q. 

Nb,  Ti 

Blue. 

Co 

Co,  Cu  (greenish 
when     getting 
cold). 

Co,    W,    Nb,    in 
very  1.  q. 

Co,  W,  Nb,  iu 
very  1.  q. 

Green. 

Ca,  Mo.  (yellow- 
ish) 

Mo,   U,    (yellow- 
ish), Cr,  emer- 
ald green. 

U,  Mo,  Cn 

Cr.  U,  Mo.  Va. 

NOTK.— Abbreviations  employed:    s.  q.,  srnajl  quantity;  1.  q.,  large  quantity; 
fl  ,  by  flaming;  c.  b  ,  continued  blowing  ;  op.,  <>p;iqm.!. 


96  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

3.   EXAMINATION  OF  MINERALS  WITH  SODA  (Sodium  Car- 
bonate), Na.2CO3. 

The  examination  with  soda  is  generally  performed  on  char- 
coal  in  the  reduction  flame,  and,  as  a  general  rule,  the  flux  is 
added  successively  in  small  portions.  It  is  sometimes  better 
to  form  the  finely  pulverized  assay  into  a  paste  with  moistened 
soda  before  placing  it  upon  the  charcoal.  This  is  particularly 
necessary  when  the  assay  is  to  be  tested  for  its  fusibility  with 
soda,  since  a  great  many  minerals  and  ores  behave  quite  dif- 
ferently with  different  quantities  of  flux. 

Instead  of  sodium  carbonate,  the  neutral  potassium  oxalate  or 
potassium  cyanide  may  advantageously  be  used  for  all  experi- 
ments of  reduction,  since  these  reagents  exercise  even  a  more 
powerful  reducing  action  than  soda.  They  are  for  this  reason 
frequently  employed  when  the  presence  of  such  metallic  oxides 
is  suspected,  whose  conversion  into  metals  requires  a  high  tem- 
perature and  the  aid  of  a  very  efficient  deoxidizing  agent. 

In  subjecting  a  body  to  the  treatment  of  soda,  we  must  di- 
rect our  attention  to  two  points.  Some  substances  unite  with 
soda  to  fusible  compounds,  others  form  infusible  compounds, 
and  others  again  are  not  fused  at  all ;  in  the  last  case  the  soda 
is  simply  absorbed  by  the  charcoal,  and  the  assay  is  left  com- 
pletely unchanged. 

With  soda,  the  following  substances  produce  fusible  com- 
pounds with  effervescence  of  carbon  dioxide  (CO3) : — 

Silicic  oxide — Silica  (SiO2)*  fuses  to  a  transparent  glassy 
bead  which,  after  cooling,  remains  transparent  if  the  soda  has 
not  been  added  in  too  great  excess. 

Titanium  dioxide  (TiO2)  fuses  to  a  transparent  glassy  bead, 

*  Silica  belongs  to  the  class  of  acid-forming  oxides,  and  the  silicic 
acid  corresponding  to  the  oxide  Si02  must  have  the  formula  H4Si04  or 
Si(OH)4=rSi02-f  2H20  =  H4Si04.  Silicic  acid  is  just  as  little  known 
as  is  sulphurous  acid  =  H2S02,  or  carbonic  acid  =  H2C03,  and,  like 
these  acids,  it  has  a  great  tendency  to  split  up  into  water  and  the  acid- 
forming  oxide. 


EXAMINATION    OF    MINERALS    WITH    SODA.  97 

which  is  dark-yellow  while  hot,  but  on  cooling  becomes  turbid 
and  crystalline. 

Tungsten  trioxide  (WO3)*  and  Molybdenum  trioxide  (MoO3)t> 
after  the  carbon  dioxide  is  driven  off,  are  absorbed  by  the  char- 
coal. 

Tantalum  pentoxide  (Ta2O5),  Vanadium  pentoxide  (V2O5), 
and  Columbiutn  (niobium)  pentoxide  (Cb2O5)  or  (Nb2O5)  also 
yield  fusible  compounds  and  sink  into  the  charcoal. 

Lime,  magnesia,  zirconia,  thoria,  yttria,  and  glucina  (beryl- 
lium oxjde),  as  well  as  cerium  and  uranium  oxides,  are  not 
attacked:  they  remain. unchanged,  while  the  soda  sinks  into 
the  charcoal. 

The  salts  of  barium  and  strontium  form,  with  soda,  fusible 
compounds,  which  are  absorbed  by  the  charcoal. 

Sodium  carbonate  is  also  used  for  the  detection  of — 

a.  Sulphur,  selenium,  and  tellurium  compounds,  which  give 
with  it  a  fused  mass,]:  yielding  a  black,  or  brown,  stain  when 
laid  upon  a  piece  of  silver  and  moistened  with  water. 

b.  Manganese  and  chromium,  with  the  soda  alone,  or,  better, 
with  addition  of  sodium  nitrate,  yield  colored  masses;  the  for- 
mer a  green  mass  of  inanganate,  and  the  latter  a  yellow  mass 
of  chromate. 

The  second  point  to  be  observed  is  the  elimination  of  metal- 
lic matter. 

When  treated  with  soda  on  charcoal  in  the  R.  FL,  the  follow- 
ing metallic  oxides  are  reduced:  the  oxides  of  the  noble  metals 
and  the  oxides  of  arsenic,  antimony,  bismuth,  indium,  cadmium, 
copper,  cobalt,  iron,  lead,  mercury,  nickel,  tin,  zinc,  molyb- 
denum, tungsten,  arid  tellurium.  Of  these,  arsenic  and  mercury 
vaporize  so  rapidly  that  frequently  not  even  a  coating  is  left  on 
the  charcoal.  Antimony,  bismuth,  cadmium,  lead,  zinc,  and 
tellurium  are  partially  volatilized,  and  form  distinct  coatings  on 
the  charcoal. 

*  Tungstic  acid  (wolframic  acid)  =  HaWO 
f  Molybdic  acid  =  Il,MoO4  -f-  1I,O. 
J   Ilepar  sulplmris  (liver  of  sulphur), 
i) 


98  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  non-volatile  reduced  metals  are  found  mixed  with  the 
soda.  To  separate  them  from  the  adhering  soda  and  charcoal 
powder,  we  proceed  in  the  following  manner:  The  fused  mass 
of  soda  and  metal,  and  the  portion  of  the  charcoal  immediately 
below  and  around  the  assay,  are  placed  in  a  small  mortar,  ground 
to  powder,  then  mixed  with  a  little  water  and  stirred  up.  The 
heavy  metallic  particles  settle  to  the  bottom,  a  portion  of  the 
soda  dissolves,  and  the  charcoal  powder  remains  suspended  in 
the  water.  The  liquid  is  carefully  poured  off,  and  the  residue 
treated  repeatedly  in  the  same  manner  until  all  foreign  matter 
is  removed.  The  metal  remains  behind  as  a  dark  heavy  pow- 
der; or,  when  the  metal  is  ductile  or  easily  fusible,  in  the  shape 
of  small  flattened  scales  with  metallic  lustre.  These  may  be  ex- 
amined with  the  magnifying  glass  and  also  with  the  magnet. 
If  the  substance  under  examination  contains  several  metallic 
oxides,  the  metallic  mass  obtained  is  usually  an  alloy,  in  which 
the  several  metals  may  be  detected  by  processes  to  be  described 
hereafter.  It  is  only  in  some  exceptional  cases  that  separate 
metallic  globules  are  obtained,  as,  for  example,  in  substances 
containing  iron  and  copper. 

4.  EXAMINATIONS  OF  METALS  WITH  SODIUM  THIOSULPHATE 
(HYPOSULPHITE  OF  SODIUM),  Na2S2O3. 

With  all  the  metals  which  can  be  precipitated  in  the  wet  way 
by  hydrogen  sulphide,  the  same  reaction  may  be  obtained  in 
the  dry  way  by  heating  the  powdered  substance  with  powdered 
thio sulphate  of  sodium  in  a  reagent  tube.  After  the  decompo- 
sition has  taken  place — recognized  by  the  evolution  of  hydrogen 
sulphide — the  melted  mass  exhibits  very  clearly  the  peculiar 
coloration  of  the  metallic  sulphides  produced.  In  many  cases 
this  reaction  is  enhanced  by  a  small  addition  of  oxalic  acid. 

Since  the  thiosnlphate  of  sodium  contains  considerable  water 
of  crystallization,  the  greater  portion  of  this  must  be  removed 
from  this  reagent  before  experimenting,  or  the  glass-tube  must 
be  held  horizontally  to  prevent  its  cracking,  in  which  case  the 
open  end  had  better  be  closed  with  cotton-wool. 


EXAMINATION    WITH    ACID    POTASSIUM    SULPHATE.        09 


The  sulphide  reactions  of  the  metals  are  demonstrated  in  the 
following  table,  in  which  their  behavior  with  borax  on  platinum 
wire  is  shown  by  way  of  comparison.  These  methods  supple- 
ment each  other  very  instructively. 

5.  TABULAR  ARRANGEMENT  SHOWING  THE  BEHAVIOR  OF 
OXIDES,  WHEN  TREATED  BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE,  WITH 
SODIUM  THIOSULPHATE,  TOGETHER  WITH  THEIR  REAC- 
TIONS WITH  BORAX. 


Metallic  oxides. 

Behavior  with 

Na2So03. 

Behavior  with  borax  on  platinum  wire 
(the  bead  cold). 

Oxidizing  flamo. 

Reducing  flame. 

Antimony  oxide 

Orange-red, 

Colorless, 

Gray  to  colorless. 

Arsenic 

Lemon  yellow, 

(Vaporizes), 

(Vaporizes). 

Bismuth 

Black, 

Colorless, 

Gray  to  colorless. 

Cadmium 

Yellow, 

t  I 

a      n         u 

Chromium 

Green, 

Grass-green, 

Emerald-green. 

Cobalt 

Black, 

Blue, 

Blue. 

Copper 

"                          Bluish-green, 

Brown. 

Gold 

K 

Reduced  to  metal 

without  dissolv'g. 

Iron 

a 

Yellow, 

Bottle-green. 

Lead 

tl 

Colorless, 

Gray  to  colorless. 

Manganese 

Light-green,      ;  Violet  (amethyst) 

Colorless. 

Mercury 

Black, 

Vaporizes, 

Vaporizes. 

Molybdenum 

Brown, 

Colorless, 

Brown. 

Nickel 

Black, 

Reddish-brown, 

Gray  to  colorless. 

Platinum 

i  t 

Reduced  to  metal 

without  dissolv'g. 

Silver 

" 

Colorless, 

Gray  to  colorless. 

Thallium 

a 

<  i 

Colorless. 

Tin 

Brown, 

a 

u 

Uranium 

Black, 

Yellow, 

Bottle-green. 

Zinc 

White, 

Colorless, 

Gray  to  colorless  . 

G.  EXAMINATION  WITH  ACID  POTASSIUM  SULPHATE  OR 
CONCENTRATED  SULPHURIC  ACID. 

To  determine  the  presence  of  volatile  acids,  a  small  quantity 
of  the  substance  is  heated  with  acid  potassium  sulphate,  or  with 
concentrated  sulphuric  acid  (in  the  latter  case,  however,  not 
to  the  boiling-point  of  the  acid),  and  the  following  appearances 
noticed  : — 


100  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

1.  A  COLORED  GAS  is  EVOLVED. 

a.  Nitrogen  tetroxide  (N02)  fumes  are  recognized  by  their 
reddish-brown    color   and    characteristic    odor ;    evolved  from 
nitrates  and  nitrites.     With  nitrates  the  reaction  is  promoted 
by  the  addition  of  copper  filings. 

b.  Chlorine  tetroxide  (hypochloric  acid),  C12O4,  yellowish- 
green,  odor  like  chlorine,  bleaches  litmus  paper.     The  evolution 
of  this  gas  by  this  treatment  indicates  the  presence  of  chlorates.* 

c.  Iodine,  from   iodides,   may   be  recognized  by  its  violet 
vapors,  which  color  starched  paper  blue.     lodates*  give  this 
reaction  after  the  addition  of  ferrous  sulphate  (copperas). 

d.  Bromine ;  reddish-brown  vapors,  with  pungent,  unpleasant 
odor,  which  turn  starch-paste  yellow.    Yielded  by  bromides  and 
bromates.    The  color  of  the  vapor  is  best  seen  on  looking  down 
the  tube. 

2.  A  COLORLESS,  ODOROUS  GAS  IS-EVOLVED. 

a.  Sulphur  dioxide  (sulphurous  acid),  evolved  from  sulphites 
and  polythionates,  is  easily  recognized  by  its  suffocating  odor 
and  bleaching  properties  (litmus,  etc.). 

b.  Hydrochloric  acid,  from  chlorides,  recognized  by  its  odor 
and  by  the  clouds  of  ammonium  chloride  (sal-ammoniac)  which 
are  formed,  when  a  glass-rod,  moistened  with  ammonia-solution, 
is  held  over  the  tube. 

c.  Hydrofluoric  acid,  from  fluorides,  smokes,  has  a  very  suf- 
focating odor,  and  strongly  etches  glass. 

d.  Hydric   sulphide    (sulphydric   acid,   sulphide  of  hydro- 
gen, sulphuretted  hydrogen),  H2S,  from  sulphides,  of  a  repul- 
sive odor,  blackens  paper  moistened  with  lead  acetate  (sugar  of 
lead)  solution. 

e.  Cyanic  acid,  from  cyanates,  has  a  characteristic  pungent 
odor  ;  it  brings  tears  to  the  eyes,  and  renders  lime-water  turbid. 

f.  Acetic  acid,   from    acetates,   is    known  by  its  pungent, 
"  vinegar"  odor,  and  also  by  yielding  fragrant  acetic  ether  on 
heating  with  sulphuric  acid  and  alcohol. 

*  The  chlorates,  iodates,  and  bromates  deflagrate  when  heated  on 
charcoal. 


EXAMINATION  WITH  ZINC   AND  HYDROCHLORIC  ACID.       101 

3.  A  COLORLESS  AND  ODORLESS  GAS  is  EVOLVED. 

a.  Carbon  dioxide  (carbonic  acid  gas)  =  CO2,  is  expelled 
from  carbonates  with  effervescence ;  it  renders  lime-water  turbid. 

b.  Carbon    monoxide  (carbonic    oxide),  CO,  which   burns 
with  a  bluish  flame,  may  arise  from  oxalates,  formates,  cyan- 
ides, ferrocyanides,  and  ferricyanides, 

c.  Chromic  acid  evolves  oxygen,  and  the  liquid  turns  brown 
or  green. 

d.  Organic  acids  are  recognized  by  the  blackening  due  to 
the  separation  of  carbon  (except  oxalic  acid,  which  yields  CO 
and  C02). 

The  acids  which  cannot  be  detected  by  the  above  methods, 
though  easily  detected  in  other  ways,  are  :  sulphuric,  phos- 
phoric, arsenic,  boric,  silicic,  tungstic,  molybdic,  and  titanic. 

7.  EXAMINATION  WITH  ZINC  AND  HYDROCHLORIC  ACID 
AFTER  PREVIOUS  DECOMPOSITION  (FUSION)  OF  THE  MlN- 

ERAL. 

A  mixture  of  sodium  carbonate  and  nitre  is  added  to  the  finely- 
powdered  assay,  the  mass  is  moistened  slightly,  and  placed  in  a 
small  spiral  of  platinum  wire,  of  about  2  to  3  mm.  diameter. 
After  fusing  for  a  short  time,  the  glowing  mass  in  the  spiral  is 
thrown  off  into  a  porcelain  dish  and  digested  with  a  little  water 
in  a  test-tube.  Afterwards,  a  little  hydrochloric  or  sulphuric 
acid  is  added,  and  a  strip  of  zinc  is  brought  into  the  solution. 
By  the  reducing  agency  of  the  nascent  hydrogen  thus  formed 
various  colors  are  produced,  as  shown  in  the  following  table  : — 

Molybdic  trioxide  (molybdic  acid)  :  blue,  then  green,  finally 
blackish-brown. 

Tungsten  trioxide  (Wolframic  acid)  :  blue,  then  copper-rejj. 

Columbium  (niobium)  pentoxide  (niobic  acid)  ;  blue,  often 
also  brown  (with  strongly  acid  solution). 

Vanadium  pentoxide  (vanadic  acid) :  blue,  then  green, 
finally  violet. 

Chromium  trioxide  (chromic  acid)  :  green. 

Titanium  dioxide  (titanic  acid)  :  violet. 

9* 


102  MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 

8.  EXAMINATION  WITH  COBALT  SOLUTION. 

A  few  substances,  when  moistened  witli  a  solution  of  cobalt 
nitrate  and  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  0.  Fl.  assume  a  pecu- 
liar color.  The  use  of  this  test  is,  however,  very  limited,  since 
the  reaction  can  only  be  clearly  seen  in  those  bodies  which, 
after  having  been  acted  upon  by  the  O.  FL,  present  a  white 
appearance  or  nearly  so. 

Substances  which  are  sufficiently  porous  to  absorb  a  liquid 
are  merely  moistened  with  a  drop  of  cobalt  solution,  held  with 
the  platinum -forceps;  and  submitted  to  the  O.  Fl.  Other  sub- 
stances must  be  powdered,  the  powder  placed  on  charcoal, 
moistened  with  a  drop  of  cobalt  solution,  and  treated  as  above. 
The  color  can  only  be  distinguished  after  cooling.  A  bluish 
color  of  more  or  less  purity,  but  rather  dull,  indicates  the  pre- 
sence of  alumina,  and  a  flesh-color  (pale-reddish  color)  that  of 
magnesia.  It  must,  however,  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  alka- 
line and  some  other  silicates,  when  heated  with  cobalt  solution 
to  a  temperature  above  their  fusing  point,  also  assume  a  blue 
color,  owing  to  the  formation  of  cobalt  silicate.  In  testing  for 
alumina,  therefore,  the  heat  must  not  be  raised  so  high  as  to 
cause  fusion  of  the  assay.  In  testing  for  magnesia  this  precau- 
tion is  not  necessary  ;  as,  on  the  contrary,  the  color  will  appear 
the  brighter  and  the  more  distinct  the  higher  the  temperature 
to  which  the  assay  is  exposed.  The  alumina  and  magnesia 
reactions  are  prevented  by  the  presence  of  colored  metallic 
oxides,  which  generally  produce  a  gray  or  black  mass,  unless 
present  in  too  minute  quantity. 

Among  the  oxides  of  the  heavy  metals,  those  of  zinc  and  tin 
assume  characteristic  colors  with  solution  of  cobalt.  The  re- 
action is  best  seen  when  the  assay,  alone  or  mixed  with  soda, 
is  exposed  to  the  R.  Fl.  on  charcoal.  The  ring  of  oxide  which 
is  deposited  around  the  assay  is  then  moistened  with  solution 
of  cobalt  and  treated  with  the  O.  Fl.  Zinc  takes  a  fine  yel- 
lowish-green, and  tin  oxide  a  bluish-green  color. 

Besides  the  compounds   above  mentioned,  there   are  some 


EXAMINATION    FOR    FLAME    COLORATIONS.  103 

others  which,  when  exposed  to  the  action  of  cobalt  solution  and 
heat,  experience  a  change  of  color,  but  still  this  reagent  does 
not  justify  its  employment  for  their  recognition.  In  fact,  only 
the  colorations  of  alumina,  magnesia,  zinc,  and  tin  are  of  real 
use  in  the  determination  of  these  substances. 

The  following  table  gives  the  more  definite  colorations  caused 
by  cobalt  solution  : — 

Blue:  Alumina;  deep  color  ;  infusible. 

Silica  and  silicates;   pale  blue;  with  much  solution,  black  or 

dark  gray.     Thin  edges  of  assay  fuse  to  a  reddish-blue  glass 

at  a  high  temperature. 
Phosphates,  borates,  and  silicates  of  the  alkalies  yield  a  blue  glass. 

Green  :  Zinc  oxide  ^yellowish-green. 

Titanium  dioxide  *  > 

Tin  oxide  ;  bluish-green. 

Antimony  oxide ;  impure-green. 
Flesh-red :  Magnesia  ;  pale  flesh-red  or  pink. 

Tantalum  pentoxide  ;  hot,  light  gray  ;  cold,  flesh-red. 
Violet :  Zirconia  ;  impure  violet. 

Magnesium  arseuate  and  phosphate  fuse  and  become  violet-red. 
Brown:  Baryta  ;  hot,  reddish-brown  or  brick-red  ;  cold,  colorless. 
Gray:  Strontia  ;  dark-gray  to  black. 

Lime  ;  gray. 

Glucina :  bluish-gray. 

Columbium  (niobium)  pentoxide  ;  brownish-gray. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

COLORED  FLAMES,  FLAME  REACTIONS,  AND  SPECTRUM 
ANALYSIS. 

1.  EXAMINATION  OF  THE  ASSAY  IN  THE  PLATINTM 
FORCEPS  FOR  FLAME  COLORATIONS. 

MANY  substances,  especially  the  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths, 
wnen  brought  into  a  non-luminous  flame,  impart  to  it  distinct 
colorations,  affording  in  many  cases  characteristic  means  for 
detecting  them  even  in  the  minutest  quantities,  e.  g.,  sodium 


1  Barium  salts  obscure  the  reaction. 


104  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

salts  tinge  the  flame  yellow  ;  potassium  compounds,  violet ; 
strontium  salts,  scarlet  red  ;  lithium  salts,  carmine-red  ;  etc. 

The  Bunsen  burner,  previously  described  (Fig.  49),  is  especi- 
ally well  adapted  to  such  observations.  The  coloring  substance 
may  be  brought  on  a  platinum  wire  loop  into  the  zone  of  fusion 
of  the  flame.  When  mixtures  of  different  flame-coloring  sub- 
stances are  examined,  indecisive  tests  are  usually  produced ; 
thus,  in  a  mixture  of  sodium  and  potassium  salts,  only  the  yellow 
sodium  flame  is  evident,  but  by  viewing  the  flame,  according 
to  Bunsen  and  Merz,  through  colored  glasses  or  fluids,  the 
mixed  colors  may  be  dissected. 

The  following  table  gives  the  more  (iefinite  colorations  : — 

Red  Flames. 

Lithium  :  carmine-re^. 
Strontiums  scarlet-red.* 
Calcium :  yellowish-red.* 

Violet  Flames. 

Potassium  :  violet-red.     Sodium  and    lithium  salts  obscure  the 

reaction. 

Caesium:     )      Like  potassilim. 
Rubidium  :  > 

Yellow  Flames. 
Sodium  salts. 

Green  Flames. 

Copper  oxide  :  emerald-green;  when  mois-tened  with  HC1,  blue. 

Thallium:  grass-green. 

Phosphoric  acid  :  bluish-green.  >  After  their  salts  are  moistened 

Boric  acid  :  yellowish-green.        >      with  sulphuric  acid. 

Barium  salts  :  yellowish-green.* 

Molybdic  acid  :  faint  yellowish-green. 

Tellurious  acid  :  green,  giving  off  fumes. 

Nitric  and  nitrous  acid  :  bronze-green,  disappearing  quickly. 

Zinc :  whitish-green. 

Slue  Flames. 

Copper  chloride  :  a7,ure-blue,  afterwards  green. 
Iridium  :  indigo-blue  (in  both  flames). 

*  Especially  after  moistening  with  HC1. 


EXPERIMENTS. 


105 


Selenium  :  cornflower  blue,  accompanied  by  the  odor  of  rotten 
bone-radish. 

Arsenic :  bluish. 

Antimony :  faint  greenish-blue. 

Lead :  blue. 

2.  APPARATUS. 

The  apparatus  for  these  observations  is  simple,  viz.,  a  blue, 
a  violet,  a  red,  and  a  green  glass.     The  stained  glasses  found 

Fig.  103. 


in   commerce   possess    generally  the   proper  shades  of  color. 
Indigo  solution  may  be  substituted  for  blue  glass.     A  hollow 
prism  (Figs.  103  and  104),  made  of  plate  glass,  whose 
principal  section  forms  a  triangle  150  millimetres  in     Fig.  104." 
length,  and  35  millimetres  in  diameter  at  the  thick 
end.     The  solution  with  which  it  is  filled  is  pre- 
pared by  dissolving  1  part  of  indigo  powder  in  8 
parts  of  strong  sulphuric  acid,  heating  the  mixture 
on  the  sand-bath,  and  stirring  it  frequently  with  a 
glass  rod.     The   syrupy  solution   thus  obtained  is 
diluted   with '1500  to   2000   parts   of  water,*  and 
filtered  through  felt  or  thick  blotting  paper. 

3.  EXPERIMENTS. 

In  the  following  experiments  the  prism  is  moved  horizontally 
before  the  eye,  so  that  the  rays  of  the  flame  always  pass  through 
gradually  thicker  layers  of  the  fluid  medium.  The  alkaline 

*  The  cold  indigo  solution  must  be  gradually  poured  into  the  proper 
amount  of  water,  the  reverse  operation  might  prove  dangerous. 


10G  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

substances,  brought  singly  into  the  flame,  exhibit  the  following 
changes  : — 

a.  Chemically  pure  calcium  chloride,*   CaCl2,  produces  a 
yellow  flame,  which,  even  with  very  thin  layers  of  the  indigo 
solution,  passes  through  a  tinge  of  violet  into  the  original  blue- 
lamp  flame. 

b.  Chemically  pure  sodium  chloride,  NaCl,  the  same. 

c.  Chemically  pure  potassium  carbonate,  K2C03,  or  potas- 
sium chloride,  KC1,  appears  of  a  sky-blue,  then  violet,  and  at 
last  of  an  intense  crimson  color,  even  when  seen  through  the 
thickest  layer  of  the  solution.     Admixtures  of  sodium  or  cal- 
cium do  not  hinder  the  reaction. 

d.  Chemically  p~ure  lithium  carbonate,  Li2CO3,  or  lithium 
chloride,  LiCl,  gives  a  violet-red  flame,  which,  with  increas- 
ing thickness  of  the  medium,  becomes  gradually  feebler,  and 
disappears  before  the  thickest  layers  pass  before  the  eye.     Cal- 
cium and  sodium  are  without  influence  on  this  reaction. 

A  Blue,  a  Violet,  a  Red,  and  a  Green  Glass. 

The  stained  glasses  found  in  commerce  possess  generally  the 
proper  shades  of  color.  The  blue  is  colored  by  cobalt  pro- 
toxide ;  the  violet  by  manganese  sesquioxide ;  the  red  (partly 
colored  and  partly  uncolored)  by  cuprous  oxide  ;  and  the  green 
by  iron  sesquioxide  and  cupric  oxide.  Merz,j"  who  has  made 
a  complete  study  of  this  subject,  employs  with  these  glasses 
Bunsen's  burner,  and  also  a  flame  of  pure  hydrogen.  The 
substances  which  he  describes  as  giving  characteristic  colors 
to  the  flame  of  a  Bunsen  burner,  in  addition  to  those  previously 
known,  are  nitric  and  chromic  acids,  while  phosphoric  and  sul- 

*  Chlorides,  on  account  of  their  volatility,  yield  generally  the  best 
coloration,  and  for  this  reason  the  substance  under  examination  is 
moistened  with  hydrochloric  acid,  or  is  treated  with  silver  chloride 
and  again  heated.  The  substance  is  held  in  the  one  hand  and  the 
colored  glass  in  the  other. 

f  Gr.  Merz,  Plammenfiirbungen,  Journ.  f.  pract.  Chemie,  Bd.  80,  p. 
487. 


TESTING    CHEMICAL    MIXTURES.  107 

phuric  acids  give  a  peculiar  coloration  to  the  dark  core  of  the 
flame  of  hydrogen. 

The  flame  of  Bunsen's  burner,  which  is  preferred  for  these 
reactions,  gives  three  sorts  of  colors. 

1.  Border  colors.     These  are  of  course  peculiar  only  to  the 
most  volatile  substances.     To  produce  them,  the  loop  of  plati- 
num wire  is  held  outside  of  the  flame  about  one  or  two  milli- 
metres from  the  lower  portion  of  the  outer  limit. 

2.  Mantle  colors.   Those  which  are  seen  when  the  substance 
is  held  in  the  bright  blue-colored  mantle  which  forms  the  outer 
portion  of  the  flame. 

3.  Flame  colors.     To  produce  these,  the  loop  is  to  be  held 
horizontally  and  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  mantle.    The  hydro- 
yen  flame  yields  another  fourth  species  of  color,  viz.,  the 

4.  Core  colors.     These  are  produced  only  by  sulphuric  and 
phosphoric  acids,  which  communicate  respectively  a  blue  and 
green  tinge  to  the  cold  core  of  the  hydrogen  flame. 

4.  TESTING  CHEMICAL  MIXTURES. 

In  order  to  detect  several  flame-coloring  elements  when  occur- 
ring together  it  is  best  to  use  the  spectroscope  (Figs.  Ill,  112), 
the  theory,  construction,  and  use  of  which  will  be  found  fully 
described  on  page  127  and  following  pages,  to  which  the  reader 
is  referred  for  information.  The  direct-vision  pocket  spectro- 
scope, such  as  that  of  Browning  and  others,  is  well  adapted  for 
blowpipe  investigations. 

All  flame-coloring  substances  may,  according  to  their  vola- 
tility, be  arranged  in  three  classes:  1,  certain  acids;  2,  alka- 
lies ;  and  3,  alkaline  earths,  to  which  may  be  added  the  heavy 
metal  copper.  If  the  substances  are  brought  into  the  flame  of 
the  Bunsen  burner  mentioned  on  page  111,  we  may  detect 

Acids. 

a.  Nitric  and  nitrous  acids  give  a  bronze-green  border  color, 
usually  with  an  orange-colored  margin.  The  assay  is  to  be 
previously  dried  in  the  flame,  and  then  either  moistened  with 


108  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

HC1,  or  dipped  into  a  solution  of  acid  potassium  sulphate, 
according  as  we  wish  to  test  for  nitrous  or  nitric  acid.  Am- 
monium and  cyanogen  compounds  give  the  same  reaction  but 
more  faintly. 

b.  Phosphoric  acid  gives  a  gray  yellowish-green  border  color, 
after  moistening  with  sulphuric  acid.     In  the  presence  of  boric 
acid,  phosphoric  acid  can  only  be  discovered  by  the  intense 
green  flame  produced  by  heating  the  assay  in  a  hydrogen  flame 
after  moistening  with  a  solution  of  hydrofluosilicic  acid.     For 
this  purpose  the  hydrogen  is  delivered  from  a  platinum  jet,  for 
instance,  the  side  tube  of  a  blowpipe. 

c.  Boric  acid  gives  a  beautiful  green  mantle  color,  which  is 
so  intense  that  this  acid  may  be  recognized  in  the  presence  of 
considerable  quantities  of  phosphoric  acid.     Borates  require  to 
be  first  decomposed  with  sulphuric  acid. 

d.  Molybdic  acid  yields  a  yellowish-green  flame  similar  to 
that  shown  by  barium  salts. 

e.  Hydrochloric  acid  gives  a  very  weak  greenish-blue  border 
color  which  lasts  but  an  instant,  and  hence  frequently  escapes 
detection. 

f.  Sulphuric  acid  produces  a  fine  blue  core  color,  being  re- 
duced to  sulphur  dioxide.     The  free  acid  gives  the  color  when 
the  platinum  wire  loop  is  held  in  the  border  of  the  flame,  but 
a  sulphate  must  be  held  in  the  middle  of  the  flame.     In  the 
latter  case  it  is  best  to  first  dip  the  assay  into  concentrated 
hydrochloric  or  hydrofluosilicic  acid. 

Chromic  acid  gives  a  dark  brownish-red  border  color  and  a 
rose-red  mantle  color.  The  dry  assay  is  to  be  moistened  with 
concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  and  held  in  the  border.  Chromic 
oxide  gives  no  color,  and  should  be  first  oxidized  to  chromic  acid 
by  moistening  with  a  solution  of  sodium  hypochlorite  and  dry- 
ing. 

Alkalies. 

a.  Potassium  gives  a  grayish-blue  mantle  color  and  a  rose- 
violet  flame  color.  The  color  appears  reddish-violet  through 


TESTING    CHEMICAL    MIXTURES.  109 

a  blue  glass*  (detection  in  presence  of  sodium),  violet  through 
violet-colored  glass,  and  bluish-green  through  green  glass. 
The  assay  is  to  be  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  re- 
peatedly exposed  to  the  flame  for  a  short  time. 

b.  Sodium   gives  an   orange-yellow  flame  color,  which   in 
quantity  appears  blue  through  blue  glass,  but  which  is  invisi-. 
ble  when  present  in  small  amounts.     Seen  through  green  glass 
the  flame  has  an   orange   color,  characteristic  of  all  sodium 
compounds.     If  a  crystal  of  potassium-bichromate  is  held  near 
to  the  sodium  flame,  the  former  becomes  quite  colorless,  and  a 
red  spot  of  mercuric  iodide  on  paper  becomes  white  with  a 
faint  tinge  of  fawn  color.     The  assay  is  moistened  with  sul- 
phuric acid,  dried,  and  then  held  in  the  hottest  part  of  the 
flame. 

c.  Lithium  yields  a  carmine-red  flame  color,  which  appears 
violet-red  through  blue  glass,  and  carmine-red  through  violet 
glass.     In  the  presence  of  sodium,  lithium  is  detected  by  the 
blue  glass.     In  the  presence  of  potassium,  Bunsen's  method  is 
employed.     The  assay  is  brought  into  the  zone  of  fusion  of  a 
Bunsen  gas-lamp,  and  this  flame  is  compared  simultaneously, 
through  an  indigo  prism,  with  one  obtained  from  a  pure  potas- 
sium salt  held  in  the  corresponding  part  of  the  flame  opposite 
to  the  assay.     Through  the  thinnest  layer  of 'the  solution  the 
lithium  flame  appears  redder  than  the  pure  potassium  flame ; 
through  thicker  layers  the  flames  appear  equally  red,  when  the 
proportion  of  lithium  to  potassium  is  very  small.     If,  however, 
lithium  predominates  in  the  assay,   the  intensity  of  the  red 
flame  diminishes  rapidly  as  the  prism  is  moved  ;    whilst  the 
pure  potassium  flame  is  scarcely  any  feebler.     Sodium,  when 
not  present  in  large  excess,  modifies  these  effects  but  slightly. 

Potassium  and  lithium  are  not  likely  to  be  confounded  with 
strontium  if  the  assay  be  treated  as  described  under  potassium, 
since  strontium  compounds  are  not  volatilized  at  the  low  tem- 
perature thus  obtained. 

*  Cartmell,  Phil.  Mag.,  May,  1858,  p.  328. 
10 


110  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Alkaline  Earths. 

The  assay  is  repeatedly  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid,  dried 
and  placed  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  mantle.  After  all  the 
alkalies  are  volatilized  the  following  reactions  appear  : — 

a.  Barium  gives  a  yellowish-green  flame  color,  which  appears 
bluish-green  through   green  glass.      If  the  green  disappears, 
and  a  red  color  makes  its  appearance,  the  assay  is  to  be  re- 
peatedly moistened  with  hydrochloric  acid,  and  immediately 
introduced  while  wet  into  the  hottest  part  of  the  flame.     When 
the  bluish-green  color  is  no  longer  seen  we  proceed  to  test  for 
calcium. 

b.  Calcium  is  present  when  the  red-flame  color,  on  evapo- 
rating the  last  portion  of  hydrochloric  acid  (spitting  of  the 
assay),  appears  finch-green  through  the  green  glass. 

c.  Strontium  is  known  by  the  purple  to  rose  color,  which 
appears  through  blue  glass,  as  the  assay  spits  in  the  flame  after 
being  moistened  with  HC1.    Under  identical  conditions  calcium 
gives  a  faint  greenish-gray  color. 

Copper. 

Copper  chloride  yields  a  sky-blue  flame  color ;  the  nitrate 
gives  a  pure  green  one.  By  the  combined  observations  of 
both  colors,  copper  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  all  other 
metals  which  give  similar  colors. 

The  remaining  flame-coloring  metals,  such  as  arsenic,  anti- 
mony, tin,  lead,  mercury,  and  zinc,  exhibit,  especially  in  the 
form  of  chlorides,  more  or  less  intense  bluish  or  greenish  mantle 
colors,  which,  however,  are  of  no  great  value  in  analysis.  As 
a  rule  the  appearance  of  these  colors  can  be  prevented  by 
moistening  with  sulphuric  acid.  It  is  best,  however,  to  expel 
on  charcoal  the  metals  which  give  an  incrustation,  before 
testing  for  alkalies  or  alkaline  earths  by  flame  coloration. 

In  order  to  detect  the  alkalies  in  silicates  it  is  sufficient  to 
decompose  the  assay  on  platinum  wire  with  some  pure  gypsum 
(sulphate  of  lime).  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  alkaline  earths 


To  face  p.  111. 


Fig.  105. 


ft.,,  a,  a,  ft,,  the  dark  nucleus 
a,,  c,  a,,  b,  the  flame  mantle, 
a,  fc,  a,  the  luminous  point  not  in 
the  normal  flame,  but  formed, 
when  needed,  by  partially  turn- 
ing the  collar. 


BUNSEN'S  FLAME  REACTIONS.  Ill 

are  looked  for,  the  decomposition  must  be  effected  by  means 
of  sodium  carbonate.  The  substance  is  fused  with  the  reagent 
in  a  platinum  spoon,  the  fused  mass  extracted  with  water,  and 
the  residue  treated  with  HC1,  when. silicic  acid  separates  out, 
and  the  solution  is  then  examined  in  the  flame. 

5.  BUNSEN'S  FLAME  REACTIONS.     BUNSEN'S  GAS-LAMP. 

According  to  Bunsen,*  most  of  the  tests  obtainable  with  a 
blowpipe  can  be  produced  by  means  of  the  non-luminous  flame 
of  a  Bunsen  burner,  Fig.  105,  provided  with  a  movable  collar, 
m  (by  turning  of  which  the  access  of  air  may  be  regulated), 
and  a  conical  chimney,  d,  d,  d1 ,  df,  of  such  dimensions,  that 
the  flame  burns  perfectly  steady.  The  flame  should  have  the 
dimensions  shown  in  Fig.  105. 

The  six  portions  of  the  flame,  which  serve  for  conducting 
the  different  reactions,  are  distinguished  as  follows  : — 

I.  The  base  of  the  flame  at  A,  having  the  lowest  tempera- 
ture, is  especially  adapted  for  separating  from  a  mixture  of 
flame-coloring  substances  the  most  volatile  ones  first. 

II.  The  zone  of  fusion  at  B,  having  the  highest  temperature, 
is  therefore  particularly  suited  for  testing  the  fusibility,  vola- 
tility, etc.,  of  an  assay. 

III.  The  lower  oxidizing  flame  at  G,  is  especially  employed 
for  the  higher  oxidation  of  oxides  dissolved  in  fused  beads. 

IV.  The  upper  oxidizing  flame  at  E,  acts  with  the  greatest 
power  when  the  draft  holes,  A,  are  completely  opened.     All 
the  roastings  and  oxidations  are  here  executed,  provided  that 
not  too  high  a  temperature  is  required. 

V.  The  lower  reducing  flame  at  D,  less  energetic  than  the 

*  Annal.  der  Chem.  u.  Pharm.,  Bd.  138,  p.  257  ;  also,  J.  Landauer, 
"Liithrohr  Analyse,"  2te  Anil.  Berlin,  1881,  p.  62. 

A  new  edition  of  R.  Bnnsen's  flame  reactions  has  lately  appeared, 
entitled  :  Flammen  Reactionen,  Heidelberg,  1880,  which  the  author 
AV.-IS  unable  to  consult,  however,  but  made  free  nse  of  many  descrip- 
tions given  by  J.  Landauer,  in  his  "  Lothrohr  Analyse,"  Berlin,  1881. 

Extracts  are  also  found  in  Annal.  Chem.  und  Pharm.  cxxxviii.  p. 
257,  and  Philog.  Mag.  [4]  xxxii.  p.  81  (translated  by  Prof.  Roscoe). 


112 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


following,  gives  for  that  very  reason  peculiar  reactions  ;  it 
serves  especially  for  reductions  on  charcoal,  and  of  beads  of 
fused  salts. 

VI.  The  upper  reducing  flame  at  C.  The  point  aba, 
above  the  dark  cone  of  the  flame,  is  not  visible  when  the  draft 
holes,  h,  are  entirely  o'pen  ;  but  if  this  luminous  point  is  made 
too  large,  soot  is  deposited,  which  is  not  admissible.  This  part 
of  the  flame  is  particularly  suitable  for  the  reduction  of  metals 
which  it  is  desired  to  collect  as  metallic  incrustations  or  coatings. 

The  following  apparatus  serves  as  a  support  for  bringing  test 
specimens  into  the  flame  : — 

6.  APPARATUS  AND  METHOD  EMPLOYED  FOR  SUBMITTING 

TEST  SUBSTANCES  TO  THE  FLAME. 

Behavior  of  the  Elements  at  High  Temperatures This  is 

one  of  the  most  important  reactions  which  can  be  employed 
for  the  detection  and  separation  of  substances.  To  produce 
with  the  flame  alone  a  temperature  as  high  or  higher  than  that 
of  the  ordinary  blowpipe,  the  radiating  surfaces  of  the  heated 
body  must  be  as  limited  as  possible,  and  therefore  be  on  a  very 
small  scale. 

By  bringing  the  moistened  loop  of  the  platinum  wire  (of  the 
thickness  of  a  horsehair)  in  contact  with  the  powdered  sub- 
stance that  is  to  be  examined,  a  portion  of  it  adheres ;  and 

when  the  loop  is  held  for  some 
time  near  the  flame,  and  finally 
within  it,  the  substance  sinters 
or  fuses  firmly  upon  the  wire. 
When  the  substances  act  upon 
platinum,  a  thread  of  asbestos 
is  used.  Salts  that  decrepitate 
are  ground  to  the  finest  powder 
on  the  porcelain  lamp  plate, 
Fig.  106,  with  the  elastic  blade 
of  the  knife,  Fig.  107,  and 


Fig.  105. 


SUBMITTING    TEST    SUBSTANCES    TO    THE    FLAME. 


113 


drawn  up  on  to  a  moistened  strip  of  one  square  centimetre 
of  Swedish  filter  paper.  If  the  paper  is  then  burnt,  being 
held  with  the  platinum  forceps,  or  better,  between  two  rings 
of  fine  platinum  wire,  the  sample  remains  as  a  coherent  crust, 
which  may  now,  without  difficulty,  be  heated  in  the  flame. 

Fig.  106.  Fig.  107. 


Fig.  108. 

Q 


The  substance  under  examination  may  be  kept  for  any  length 
of  time  in  a  given  part  of  the  flame  by  means  of  a  Bunsen 
,  Fig.  108.     The  arm,  a,  is  fastened  to  the  carrier,  A 
10* 


114  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

so  fixed  on  the  stand  by  a  self-clamping  spring  slide,  that  it 
can  be  moved  both  horizontally  and  vertically.  The  glass 
tube,  c?,  is  fastened  on  this  arm,  a,  and  the  fine  platinum  wire 
(fused  into  the  glass  tube)  thus  held  in  the  flame.  Splinters 
(fibres)  of  asbestos  are  inserted  in  the  glass  tube,  &,  which 
slips  into  the  holder,  and  may  be  moved  with  the  carrier,  A. 
The  carrier,  B,  is  provided  with  a  spring-clamp  for  holding 
test-tubes,  which  have  to  be  heated  for  a  considerable  time  in 
a  particular  part  of  the  flame.  The  little  turn-table,  c,  con- 
tains nine  upright  supports  for  storing  the  wire  tubes  employed 
in  the  experiments* 

For  testing  liquids,  the  wire  of  the  loop  is  flattened  by  a 
few  taps  with  a  hammer;  then,  if  dipped  into  the  substance, 
it  lifts  up  a  drop,  which,  by  holding  it  near  the  flame,  slowly 
evaporates,  and  the  residue,  if  any,  may  be  brought  into  the 
zone  of  fusion.  By  means  of  these  arrangements,  a  small 
particle  of  the  substance  may  be  brought  into  the  flame,  and 
its  behavior  in  the  coldest  and  hottest  parts  of  the  flame 
ascertained,  the  substance  being  examined  with  a  lens  after 
each  change  of  temperature. 

Platinum  wire,  no  thicker  than  a  horsehair  (i.  e.,  a  piece 
1  decimetre  long,  must  not  exceed  0.034  grrns.  in  weight),  is 
used  in  experiments  for  examining  the  fusibility,  volatility, 
flame  coloring,  and  also  for  reactions  with  borax,  salt  of  phos- 
phorus, and  soda. 

Fibres  of  asbestos,  about  one-fourth  as  thick  as  an  ordinary 
match,  serve  instead  of  platinum  (where  this  metal  is  attacked), 
and  are  moistened  before  receiving  the  test  substance. 

Charcoal  rods  as  a  substitute  for  ordinary  charcoal.  They 
are  prepared  from  ordinary  friction  matches  ;  the  head  is  broken 
off  and  three-quarters  of  its  length  coated  with  fused,  crystal- 
lized sodic  carbonate,  and  charred  in  the  flame  with  a  rotary 
motion.  The  rods  when  thus  glazed  are  partially  protected 
against  combustion. 

Tubes  of  thin  glass  3  cm.  long,  2  to  3  mm.  wide,  and  closed 
at  one  end. 


REAGENTS.  115 

7.  REAGENTS. 

The  following  chemical  reagents  are  specially  employed  for 
Bunsen's  flame  reactions  : — 

Stannous  chloride  (SnCl2).  The  solution  must  be  kept  in  a 
glass-stoppered  bottle.  In  order  to  prevent  its  transformation 
to  stannic  chloride  (SnCl4)  g,  few  small  grains  or  pieces  of 
metallic  tin  are -placed  in  the  bottle.  The  salt  is  a  powerful 
reducing  agent,  and  serves  to  distinguish  metallic  coatings, 
and  for  the  recognition  of  Gold,  Molybdenum,  Tungsten 
(  Wolfram),  etc. 

Caustic  soda  solution  (NaOH)  is  likewise  employed  for 
recognition  of  metallic  coatings,  as  alsp  for  the  recognition  of 
Cobalt,  Nickel,  Tin,  etc. 

Nitrate  of  silver  solution  (AgNO3),  quite  neutral,  is  used  to 
distinguish  coatings  and  for  detecting  Chromium  and  Vana- 
dium. 

Faming  hydriodic  acid  (IH),  obtained  by  the  action  of 
moist  air  on  phosphorus  tri  -iodide.  To  prepare  the  latter,  1 
part  of  phosphorus  is  dissolved  in  carbon  di-sulphide,  and 
gradually  12.3  parts  of  iodine  added.  This  solution  is  now 
gently  heated  to  expel  most  of  the  di-sulphide  of  carbon,  and 
next  placed  in  some  cooling  mixture,  whence  crystalline  lamina; 
of  phosphoric  tri-iodide  separate,  which  fuse  at  55°  C.  These 
are  put  into  a  wide-necked,  flat-bottomed  glass  flask,  which  can 
be  tightly  closed  with  a  glass  stopper.  The  small  porcelain 
dishes  with  the  adhering  coatings  on  their  surfaces  may  thus 
be  placed  over  the  flask  and  readily  exposed  to'the  fumes  of  the 
hydriodic  acid,  converting  these  deposits  into  iodine  compounds. 
When  the  fuming  of  this  reagent  ceases,  it  is  rendered  active 
again  upon  the  addition  of  some  anhydrous  phosphoric  acid. 
These  coatings  may  likewise  be  turned  into  iodides  by  saturat- 
ing an  asbestos-rod  with  an  alcoholic  solution  of  iodine,  firing 
it,  and  moving  the  flame  to  and  fro,  beneath  the  coated  porce- 
lain dish.  Should  a  brown-colored  product,  resulting  from  the 


116  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

separation  of  free  iodine,  condense  on  the  porcelain  dish,  it  may 
be  removed  by  careful  heating. 

Ammonia  (NH3)  and  ammonium  sulphide  (or  ammonium 
sulphydrate),  NH4HS,  are  employed  for  determining  such 
coatings. 

Bromine  (Br),  kept  in  a  wide-necked,  well-closed  flask,  is 
used  for  exposing  substances  to  its  vapor,  which,  in  the  presence 
of  water,  acts  as  an  oxidizing  agent. 

Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  (yellow  prussiate  of  potash), 
K4Fe"Cy6,  or  4KCyFe/;Cy2,  serves  in  solution  for  the  recogni- 
tion of  Iron,  Copper,  and  Molybdenum. 

Plumbic  acetate  (Pb2C2H3O2)  is  used  for  tracing  Chromium. 

Bismuthous  nitrate,  Bi'"  (NOS)3,  5H2O,  or  Bi2O3,  3N2O5 
10H2O,  as  reagent  for  Tin. 

Acetic  acid  (C2H4O2)  is  employed  in  investigations  of  Chro- 
mium,, Vanadium,  Manganese,  and  Uranium. 

Mercuric  cyanide,  Hgr/(CN)2,  or  Hg^Cy.,.  Its  solution  is 
sometimes  used  for  the  detection  of  Palladium. 

Hydrochloric  and  nitric  acid,  as  well  as  a  mixture  of  the 
two,  or  aqua  regia,  are  quite  frequently  employed — the  latter 
in  testing  for  gold,  platinum,  etc. 

For  test  operations,  only  very  minute  quantities  of  the  sub- 
stances are  used.  Decrepitating  bodies,  as  already  stated,  are 
ground  into  very  fine  powder,  and  absorbed  by  a  moistened 
strip  of  filter  paper  (1  centimetre  square).  If  this  is  placed 
between  two  rings  (coil)  made  of  hair-fine  platinum  wire  and 
then  burnt,  a  cohering  crust  remains  which  may  be  tested  in 
the  flame  withotit  any  difficulty. 

When  substances  require  to  be  held  in  the  flame  for  a  long 
time,  it  is  very  convenient  to  use  a  Bunsen  stand,  which  is 
provided  with  horizontal  clips  and  arms,  movable  horizontally 
and  vertically  on  the  vertical  support.  The  arms  carry  small 
glass  tubes  supporting  platinum  wire  or  asbestos  fibres,  and  the 
clips  are  used  for  holding  the  test  tubes. 


MKTIIODS  OF   EXAMINATION.  117 

8.  METHODS  OF  EXAMINATION. 
A.   Ignition  of  the  Elements  at  High  Temperatures. 

When  heating  small  assays  the  following  phenomena  must 
be  considered : — 

1.  The  emission  of  light,  which  is  ascertained  by  holding 
the  substance  on  platinum  wire  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  zone 
of  fusion.     The  emissive  power  is  estimated  as  low,  medium,  or 
high,  according  as  the  luminosity  of  the  specimen  falls  below, 
equals,  or  exceeds  that  of  the  platinum  wire,  introduced  at  the 
same  time. 

2.  The  fusibility,  or  melting  point,  is  expressed  by  a  scale 
of  temperature  of  the  following  six  grades,  distinguishable  by 
the  appearance  of  a  thin  platinum  wire  in  different  portions  of 
the  flame,  viz  : — 

a.  Below  red  heat. 

b.  Incipient  red  heat. 

c.  Red  heat. 

d.  Incipient  white  heat.  '. 

e.  White  heat. 

f.  Intense  white  heat. 

3.  The  volatility  is  determined  by  the  time  required  to  vola- 
tilize a  weighed  bead  (0.01  grm.)  in  the  zone  of  fusion,  and 
comparing  it  with   the    time    required  to  volatilize  an   equal 
weight  of  sodic  choride,  the  volatility  of  which  is  taken  as  a 
unit  of   comparison.      The    odor   evolved,   if   any,    must    be 
observed. 

4.  Flame  coloration. — Many   volatile    substances    may  be 
detected  by  placing  the  test  specimen  in  the  upper  reducing 

flame  at  C,  when  the  colorations  appear  in  the  upper  oxidizing 
flame  at  E.  Mixtures  of  flame-coloring  bodies  may  first  be 
tested  in  the  coolest  part  of  the  flame  base  at  A,  to  obtain 
(for  a  moment  only)  the  coloration  produced  by  the  most 
volatile  bodies,  unmixed  with  the  less  volatile  ones. 


118  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

B.  Oxidation  and  Reduction  of  Substances. 

1.  Fused  Glass  Beads — The  oxidation   and  reduction   of 
fused  substances  are  executed  on  platinum  wire.     The  beads 
adhering  to  the  ends  of  the  wires  are  oxidized  in  the  lower 
oxidizing  flame  at   G,  and  reduced   in    the   lower  reducing 
flame  at  D. 

2.  Reductions  in  Closed-glass  Tubes — The  completely  dried 
test  specimen  is  heated  together  with  soda  and  carbon  (soot 
of  turpentine  is  the  best)  or  with  metallic  sodium,  or  metallic 
magnesium  wire-clippings.     The  tubes  made  of  thin  glass  are 
3  mm.  wide,  and  3  cm.  long.     The  sodium  is  freed  from  the 
naphtha,  in  which  it  was  preserved,  with  blotting  paper,  next 
rolled  between  the  fingers  into  a  small  cylinder  which  is  placed 
in  the  tube,  and  surrounded  by  the  test  specimen.     The  tube 
is   now  heated   to  its  own  melting  point  (whereby  usually  a 
combustion  takes  place  in  the  interior).     The  cold  tube  is  then 
crushed,  and  the  reduced  material  carefully  collected  on  glazed 
paper  for  further  investigation. 

3.  Reduction  on  the  Charcoal  Rod On   the  point  of  the 

small  charcoal  rod,  already  described,  we  place  the  test  speci- 
men, of  about  the  size  of   a    mustard   seed   and    previously 
mixed  with  a  drop  of  fused  sodic  carbonate,  into  the  lower 
oxidizing  flame  at  G,  for  the  purpose  of  fusion,  and  next  pass 
it  into  the  hotter  portion  of  the  lower  reducing  flame  opposite 
at  D.    After  the  reduction  has  taken  place,  recognizable  by  the 
violent  boiling  up  and  frothing  of  the  soda,  the  specimen   is 
allowed  to  cool  in  the  dark  interior  of  the  flame.     The  end  of 
the  charcoal  rod  is  then  nipped  off,  placed  in  an  agate  mortar, 
and  ground  with  a  few  drops  of  water.     After  lixiviating  the 
charcoal,  the  products  of  reduction  are  kept  for  further  inves- 
tigation. 

C.  Incrustations  or  Coatings  on  Porcelain. 

The  volatile  elements  reducible  by  hydrogen  or  carbon  may 
either  be  separated  as  such  from  compounds,  or  as  oxides,  and 


METHODS    OF    EXAMINATION.  119 

collected  upon  glazed  porcelain.  Such  deposits  may  next  be 
converted  into  iodides,  sulphides,  or  other  combinations  having 
characteristic  qualities,  by  means  of  which  they  can  be  recog- 
nized. The  incrustations  or  films  consist  in  the  centre  of  a 
thick  layer  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  a  thinner  coating  pass- 
ing to  the  merest  tinge.  These  reactions  are  so  sensitive,  that 
in  many  cases  0.1  or  0.001  grm.  of.  material  suffice  to  produce 
them,  surpassing  in  delicacy  Marsh's  arsenic  test. 
The  incrustations  produced  are  as  follow  : — 

a.  Metallic  Films  or  Incrustations  are  prepared  by  heating 
•a  very  small  particle  of  the  substance  placed  on  an  asbestos 
fibre,  in  the  upper  reduc.iny  flame  at  C  (not  too  large,  and  per- 
fectly free  from  smoke),  with  one  hand,  whilst  holding  at  the 
same  time  in  the  other  a  thin  and  glazed  porcelain  capsule  (0.1 
metre  in  diameter),  filled  with  cold  water,  and  placing  it  closely 
over  the  asbestos  fibre  into  the  upper  reducing  flame.     The 
volatile  metals,  if  present,  will  be  deposited  as  a  dark  incrus- 
tation, either  dull  or  lustrous.     This  deposit  is  then  further 
examined  as  to  its  solubility  in  dilute  nitric  acid  (containing 
20  per  cent,  of  anhydrous  acid). 

b.  Oxide  Incrustations — These  are  formed  by  holding  the 
porcelain  capsule  in  the  preceding  experiment,  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  test-specimens,  into  the  upper  oxidizing  flame 
at  E.     It  may  then  be  tested — 

1st,  by  a  drop  of  stannous  chloride;  if  no  reduction  is  effected 
we  add  : — 

2.  Caustic  soda  solution  until  the  precipitated  hydride  of  4in 
oxide  is  redissolved,  and  observe  whether  a  reduction  is  the 
result. 

3.  The  incrustation  is  touched  with  some  drops  of  neutral 
argentic  nitrate  solution  by  means  of  a  glass  rod  spread  out, 
and  ammonia  vapor  blown  upon  it.*    If  a  precipitate  is  formed, 
the  color  is  observed,  etc. 

*  The  latter  is  best  accomplished  by  using  a  small  sized  ordinary 
wasli  bottle,  in  which  the  blowing-tube  extends  under  the  ammonia 
solution,  and  the  pointed  ejection-tube  only  to  the  lower  end  of  the 
perforated  cork. 


120  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

c.  Iodide  Films — These  are  formed   by  placing  the  oxide 
incrustation  on  the  cold  capsule  over  the  wide-mouthed  glass 
flask  containing  hydriodic  acid  and  phosphorous  acid  (derived 
from  the  gradual  deliquescence  of  phosphoric  tri-iodide).    The 
iodide  coating  may  be  further  tested  by  the  moist  breath  (solu- 
bility), and  by  having  ammonia  vapor  blown  upon  it. 

d.  Sulphide   Incrustations   are    produced   from    the  iodide 
incrustation  by  blowing  a  current  of  sulphide  of  ammonium 
vapor  upon  it,  and  expelling  the  superfluous  ammonium  sul- 
phide by  gently  heating  the  porcelain  capsule.     The  sulphide 
incrustation  left  is  then  further  tested  to  examine  its  solubility 
in  water  by  blowing  the  warm  breath  upon  it,  or  by  adding  a 
drop  of  water,  and  for  its  solubility  in   ammonium  sulphite, 
either  by  blowing  or  dropping  the  reagent  upon  it. 

9.  GENERAL  REVIEW  OF  FLAME  REACTIONS. 

The  elements  which  may  be  recognized  by  the  flame-reactions 
may  be  divided  into  three  groups,  according  to  their  behavior 
during  their  oxidation  and  reduction. 

A.  Volatile  elements,  separable  by  reduction  as  incrustations 
(see  the  table  of  volatile  elements  appended  hereto). 

B.  Reducible  metals  furnishing  no  incrustations. 

C.  Elements  which  may  best  be  recognized  from  the  deport- 
ment (reactions)  of  their  compounds. 

By  considering,  in  addition,  those  substances  recognizable  by 
their  flame  coloration,  the  following  general  schedule  of  flame- 
reactions  may  be  given,  and  their  further  chemical  behavior, 
elsewhere  described,  may  be  considered  and  compared  with  it. 


A.    Table  of  Volatile  Elements  which  can  be  reduce( 

to  thei 


Metallic  In- 
crustation and 
Coating, 

Oxide  In- 
crustation 
and  Coat- 
ing. 

Oxide  In- 
crustation 
with  SnCla, 

Oxide  Incrus- 
tation with 
SnClo  and 
NaHO. 

Oxide  Incrusta- 
tion with 
AgN03and 
NH4HO 

TELLURIUM, 

Black;  with 
brown  coating. 

White. 

Black. 

Black. 

White,  tinged 
yellowish. 

SELENIUM, 

Cherry-red  ; 
with  brick  red 

coating. 

White. 

Brick-red. 

Black. 

White. 

ANTIMONY, 

Black;  with 
brown  coating. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

Black  ;  insolu- 
ble in  JMH3. 

ARSENIC, 

Black;  with 
bi'own  coating. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

Lemon-yellow 
or  brownish- 
red  ;  soluble  iu 
NH3. 

BISMUTH, 

Black  ;  with 
soot-brown 
coating. 

Yellowish- 
white. 

White. 

Black 

White. 

MERCURY, 

Gray;  non-cohe- 
rent coating. 

THALLIUM, 

Black  ;  with 
brown  coaling. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

LEAD, 

Black  ;  with 
brown  coating. 

Light  ochre- 
yellow. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

CADMIUM, 

Black  ;  with 
brown  coating. 

Brownish- 
black  ;  with 
white  coat- 
ing. 

White. 

White 

White  coating 
becomes  blue- 
black. 

ZINC, 

Black;  with 
brown  coating. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

INDIUM, 

Black  ;  with 
brown  coating. 

Yellowish- 
white. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

To  J ace  jtage  121. 

?  Films  or  Coatings  oil  Porcelain,  arranged  according 
Reactions. 


e  Incrustation 
id  Coating, 

Iodide  Incrus- 
tation with 
NH3  (blown 
upon  it), 

Sulphide  In- 
crustation and 
Coating, 

Sulphide  In- 
rustaiion  with 
H(NH4)S, 

Color  of  flame 
and  odor, 

Ution  of  dilute 
nitric  acid 
HN03+^2. 

n  ;     breathed 
i     disappears 
i  time. 

Msapp^ars  per- 
manently. 

Black  to  black- 
ish-brown. 

Disappears  for 
a  time. 

Jpper  reduc- 
tion  zone    fa- 
ded blue  ;  up- 
per oxidizing 
flame    green  ; 
no  odor. 

Substances 
whose  metal- 
lic   incrusta- 
.  tions    are 
scarcely  af- 
fected by  di- 
lute   nitric 
acid. 

Substances 
whose  metal- 
lic  incrusta- 
.  tions  are 
with    diffi- 
cnltydissolv- 
ed  by  dilate 
nitric  acid. 

J 

Substances 
whose  metal- 
lic   incru.sta- 
.  tions  are  in- 
stantly    dis- 
solved by  di- 
lute   nitric 
acid. 

n  ;     breathed 
i      does     not 
lly  disappear. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

Yellow  to 
orange. 

Orange,  then 
disappears  for 
a  time. 

fine  blue  ;  odor 
ot  rotten  horse- 
radish. 

?e-red  ;  breath- 
pon  disappears 
i  time. 

Disappears  per- 
manently. 

Orange. 

Disappears  for 
a  time. 

Jpper  reduc- 
tion-zone faded 
green. 

/ellow;breath- 
pon  disappears 
i  time. 

Msappears  per- 
manently. 

Lemon-yellow. 

Disappears  for 
a  time. 

Tpper   reduc- 
tion-zone laded 
blue  ;  odor  of 
garlic. 

h-brown;  with 
.-red   to  crim- 
red    coating  ; 
thed  upon  dis- 
i»r«  for  a  time. 

Crimson-red  to 
egg-yellow  ; 
chestnut-brown 
when  dry. 

Umber-brown  ; 
with  coffee- 
brown  coating. 

Does  not  dis- 
APpear. 

Bluish,  not  cha- 
racteristic. 

ine  andlemon- 
w  ;    breathed 
i  does  not  dis- 
:ar. 

Disappears  for 
a  time. 

Black. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

n-yellow  ; 
hed  upon  does 
Lisappear. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

Black  ;  with 
bluish-gray 
coating. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

Light  grass- 
green. 

yellow   to    le 
-yellow; 
thed  upon  does 
Lisappear. 

Disappears  for 
a  time. 

Brownish-red 
to  black. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

Faded  blue. 

White. 

White. 

• 

Lemon-yellow. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

White. 

White. 

White. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

owish-white. 

Yellowish- 
white 

White. 

Does  not  dis- 
appear. 

Intense  indigo- 
blue. 

METHODS    OF    EXAMINATION. 


121 


Method  employed. 

Reactions  obtained 

Indications  of: 

I.  We  endeavor 
to  obtain  a  itie- 
tallic  incrusta- 
tion in  a  por- 
celain capsule. 

All  incrustation 
which  is  to  be 
tested  in  regard 
to  its  solubility 
in  dilute  nitric 
acid,  thus  : 

Scarcely  attacked  :  Te,  Se,  Sb,  As. 
With  difficulty  dissolved  :  Bi,  Hg, 
T  (Thallium). 
Instantly  dissolved  :  Pb,  Cd,  Zn, 
I  (Indium). 

II.    The   sub- 
stance is  heat- 
ed with   addi- 

a. A  gray  pow-  -| 
der:               j 

magnetic:  Fe,  Ni,  Co. 
Nou  -magnetic  :  Pd,  Pt,  Rh,  Ir. 

tion  of  sodic 
carbonate  on  a 
charcoal  rod. 

6.  A  metallic      ] 
globule  :        \ 

.  Cu,  Sn,  Ag,  Au. 

III.  The  mass, 
mixed  with 

a.  A    white    or  ] 
colorless  fusion  :  J 

.  Mo,  W  (tungsten),  Ti,  Ta,  Nb,  Si. 

Na2  C03  and  K 
N03  is  heated 
on  a  platinum 
wire. 

b.  A  yellow          ' 
fusion  :               \ 
c.  A    green           , 
fusion  :              '. 

.  Cr,  V. 
.  Mn. 

IV.  Special  proceedings  for  finding :  U,  P,  S  (described  in  our  special 

methods  of  detection). 

V.  Flame-coloration  :  K,  Na,  Li,  Sr,  Ba,  Ca. 


Besides  the  characteristic  flame  coloring  by  which  certain 
substances  may  be  recognized,  there  is  a  large  series  of  general 
flame-reactions,  which  may  be  systematized  as  follows  :  (See 
Table  A.) 

B.   Reducible  to  Metals,  but  yielding  no  incrustations. 

IRON  COMPOUNDS. — Reduction  on  the  charcoal  rod  furnishes 
neither  metallic  globules  nor  lustrous  scales ;  ground  fine  in  an 
11 


122  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

agate  mortar  the  reduced  mass  is  attracted  by  a  magnet  in  the 
form  of  a  black,  dull  brush,  which,  when  rubbed  upon  paper, 
then  touched  with  a  drop  of  aqua  regia  and  gently  warmed, 
produces  a  yellow  spot  that  turns  deep  blue  by  the  addition  of 
a  drop  of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  solution.  The  paper  ought 
previously  be  tested  for  iron. 

Borax  Bead — Ignited  in  oxidizing  flame  with  some  oxide 
furnishes  whilst  hot,  according  to  the  quantity,  a  yellowish-red 
to  brownish  dark-red  glass,  which,  on  cooling,  turns  yellow  to 
brownish-yellow.  In  reduction  flame  the  bead  is  red  whilst 
hot,  and  bottle-green  when  cold. 

NICKEL  COMPOUNDS — Reduction  on  the  charcoal  rod  fur- 
nishes white,  lustrous,  ductile,  metallic  spangles,  which  are 
attracted  by  the  magnet.  Rubbed  on  paper  the  metal  yields, 
with  a  drop  of  nitric  acid,  a  green  solution  which,  when 
touched  with  a  drop  of  caustic  soda, on  a  glass  .rod,  thence  ex- 
posed to  bromine  vapor,  and  again  touched  with  caustic  soda, 
furnishes  a  black  spot  of  peroxide  of  nickel. 

Borax  Bead — Oxidizing  flame  dirty  violet ;  upper  reducing 
flame  gray  from  metallic  nickel,  which  at  times  unites  to  a 
silver-white  nickel  sponge,  whilst  the  bead  turns  colorless. 

COBALT  COMPOUNDS — Reduction  on  the  charcoal  rod  yields 
white,  shiny,  ductile,  metallic  spangles,  which  are  attracted  by 
the  magnet.  Rubbed  on  paper  the  metal  furnishes,  in  contact 
with  nitric  acid,  a  red  solution  which,  when  touched  with  a 
drop  of  hydrochloric  acid  and  then  dried,  yields  a  green  spot 
which,  when  moistened  with  water,  again  disappears.  By 
means  of  caustic  soda  and  bromine  vapor  we  obtain,  as  with 
nickel,  a  brownish-black  spot  of  peroxide  of  cobalt. 

Borax  Bead Oxidizing  flame  and  reducing  flame  deep  blue. 

PALLADIUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  Platinum  Wire. — 
In  the  upper  oxidation  flame  we  obtain  a  gray  mass  similar  to 
platinum  sponge  which,  when  rubbed  in  an  agate  mortar,  forms 
silver-white,  lustrous,  ductile,  metallic  spangles,  which  form  a 
red  solution  with  nitric  acid.  Adding  a  drop  of  mercury  cya- 
nide and  blowing  a  current  of  ammonia  vapor  over  the  liquid, 


METHODS    OF    EXAMINATION.  123 

a  white  flaky  precipitate  is  produced,  which  is  redissolved  by 
an  excess  of  the  reagent. 

PLATINUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  Platinum  Wire. — 
In  the  upper  oxidizing  flame  they  are  reduced  to  a  spongy  mass 
which,  ground  in  an  agate  mortar,  yields  silver-white,  shiny, 
ductile  spangles,  insoluble  in  nitric  or  hydrochloric  acid,  but 
easily  soluble  in  aqua  regia  (a  mixture  of  both),  with  a  light 
yellow  color  when  the  platinum  is  pure ;  with  a  brownish- 
yellow  color,  if  palladium,  rhodium,  or  iridium  is  present. 

Mercury  cyanide  with  a  current  of  ammonia  vapor  gives  no 
white  precipitate,  but  a  yellow  crystalline  one  of  ammonium 
platinum  chloride. 

IRIDIUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  Platinum  Wire — In 
the  upper  oxidizing  flame  a  metallic  reduction  takes  place ;  the 
mass  ground  in  an  agate  mortar  is  not  shining  nor  ductile,  and 
is  insoluble  in  acids,  including  aqua  regia. 

RHODIUM  COMPOUNDS — Distinguished  from  iridiurn  com- 
pounds, only  that  the  metallic  powder,  when  fused  with  potas- 
sium sulphate,  is  partly  oxidized,  and  forms  a  rose-red  solution. 

OSMIUM  COMPOUNDS. — In  the  oxidizing  flame  osmium  acid 
is  produced,  possessing  a  chlorine-like,  pungent  odor,  attacking 
the  eyes. 

GOLD  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  a  Charcoal  Rod. — A  yel- 
low, lustrous  granule  is  obtained,  which,  in  a  mortar,  yields 
golden  yellow  spangles.  Insoluble  in  nitric  and  hydrochloric 
acids,  but  soluble  in  aqua  regia.  The  light  yellow  solution 
imbibed  by  white  blotting  (filter)  paper,  and  touched  with  a 
drop  of  stannous  chloride  (SnClJ  produces  a  splendid  purple 
color  (purple  of  Cassius),  used  in  the  arts  for  imparting  to 
glass  a  ruby  color. 

SILVER  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  a  Charcoal  Rod. — A 
white,  ductile  globule  is  produced  which,  when  heated,  is  dis- 
solved in  nitric  acid.  Hydrochloric  acid  throws  down  from  the 
solution  a  white,  curdy  precipitate,  soluble  in  ammonia,  but 
insoluble  in  nitric  acid. 


124  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

COPPER  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  a  Charcoal  Rod A 

copper-red,  ductile  globule  is  obtained,  soluble  in  nitric  acid 
with  a  blue  color.  If  some  of  the  solution  is  imbibed  by  white 
blotting  paper,  and  a  drop  of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  added, 
a  brown  spot  is  produced. 

Borax  Bead. — The  oxidizing  flame  furnishes  a  blue  bead 
which,  in  the  lower  reduction  flame,  upon  the  addition  of  a 
little  stannic  oxide  yields  a  brownish-red  color  of  cuprous 
oxide  (Cu2O).  By  alternating  the  oxidizing  and  reducing  pro- 
cess a  ruby  red,  transparent  bead  is  obtained  ;  which  is  best 
obtained  when  the  reduced  bead  is  allowed  to  oxidize  slowly. 

TIN  COMPOUNDS.  On  a  Charcoal  Rod White,  bright,  duc- 
tile globule,  dissolving  slowly  in  hydrochloric  acid  ;  by  nitric 
acid  it  is  not  dissolved,  but  is  converted  into  insoluble,  white, 
stannic  oxide.  In  tin  solutions  bismuthic  nitrate  and  an 
excess  of  caustic  soda,  furnishes  a  bla.ck  precipitate. 

C.    Elements  which  can  best  be  recognized  from  the  reactions 
of  their  compounds. 

MOLYBDENUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  the  Charcoal 
Rod. — Reducible  with  difficulty  to  a  gray  powder. 

Borax  Bead  (not  very  characteristic) The  bead  in  the 

oxidizing  flame  is  at  first  colorless,  but  when  completely  satu- 
rated, forms  a  bluish  enamel. 

Special  Reactions — The  finely  powdered  substance  is  mixed 
with  soda  (best  obtained  by  fusion  of  a  fragment  of  a  soda 
crystal),  and  this  mixture  fused  within  a  platinum  spiral  of 
2-3  mm.  diameter  exposed  to  the  flame  of  a  Bunsen  lamp. 
The  mass,  when  heated  to  a  white  heat,  is  knocked  off  and 
dissolved  in  a  few  drops  of  warm  water.  The  clear  liquid, 
above  the  sediment,  is  imbibed  by  a  strip  of  blotting  paper, 
and  submitted  to  the  following  tests  :  After  being  acidulated 
with  hydrochloric  acid,  the  addition  of  ferrocyanide  of  potas- 
sium produces  a  red  brown  spot.  Stannous  chloride,  added 
gradually,  forms  at  once,  or  after  gentle  heating,  a  blue  color. 
Ammonium  sulphide  produces  a  brown  color,  and  upon  the 


METHODS    OF    EXAMINATION.  125 

addition  of  hydrochloric  acid,  a  brown  precipitate,  whereby 
the  paper  often  turns  blue. 

TUNGSTEN  (WOLFRAMIUM)  COMPOUNDS — A  fusion  is  pro- 
duced like  that  described  by  molybdenum.  The  aqueous  solu- 
tion is  absorbed  by  blotting  paper.  Hydrochloric  acid  and 
ferrocyanide  of  potassium  give  no  reactions.  Stannous  chloride 
furnishes  at  once  a  blue  color,  or  after  slight  warming. 
Ammonium  sulphide  causes  neither  alone  nor  with  hydro- 
chloric acid  a  precipitate,  but  turns  (especially  after  slight 
heating)  the  paper  blue  or  greenish. 

TITANIUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Salt  of  Phosphorus — In 
oxidizing  flame,  colorless ;  in  reduction  flame  of  a  feeble 
amethystine  color ;  adding  to  the  bead  some  ferrous  sulphate, 
it  assumes  in  the  lower  reduction  flame  a  red  color. 

With  Soda  on  Platinum  Wire. — Fuses  to  a  colorless  trans- 
parent mass  turning  turbid  when  cold.  If  the  bead  while  hot 
is  touched  with  stannous  chloride,  and  heated  in  the  lower 
reduction  zone,  a  gray  mass  is  obtained  which,  with  hydro- 
chloric acid,  and  slightly  heated,  gives  a  pale  amethyst  color. 

TANTALUM  AND  NIOBIUM  COMPOUNDS  exhibit  the  same 
deportment  as  titanium  compounds. 

CHROMIUM  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  in  the  Platinum 

Spiral Such  compounds  fused  with  repeated  additions  of 

saltpetre  assume  a  light  yellow  color,  soluble  in  water  with  the 
same  color.  The  liquid  removed  from  the  sediment,  then 
acidulated  with  acetic  acid  and  imbibed  by  blotting-paper, 
yields  with  solution  of  lead  acetate,  a  yellow  ;  with  silver  salts, 
a  reddish-brown  precipitate.  Ammonium  sulphide,  stannous 
chloride,  or  the  evaporation  with  aqua  regia  turn  the  yellow 
colored  solution  green. 

Borax  Bead — In  both  flames  emerald  green. 

VANADIUM  COMPOUNDS.  .  Fusion  with  Soda  and  Saltpetre 
in  the  Platinum  Spiral. — A  yellow  fusion  is  obtained.  The 
solution  when  acidulated  with  acetic  acid,  is  colored  yellow  by 
silver  solution.  When  the  solution  is  mixed  with  aqua  regia 
and  evaporated,  we  obtain  not  a  green,  but  a  yellow  or 

11* 


12G  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

yellowish-brown  liquid  which  is  turned  blue  by  stannous 
chloride.  . 

Borax  Bead — Oxidizing  flame,  greenish-yellow;  reduction 
flame,  green. 

MANGANESE  COMPOUNDS.  Borax  Bead — Oxidizing  flame, 
amethyst  color  ;  reduction  flarne,  colorless. 

With   Soda   and  Saltpetre   in  the  Platinum   Spiral The 

fused  mass  obtained  is  green,  and  the  aqueous  solution  like- 
wise. Upon  the  addition  of  acetic  acid  the  liquid  turns  red  ; 
later,  colorless  with  separation  of  brown  flakes. 

URANIUM   COMPOUNDS.      Borax  Bead Oxidizing  flame, 

yellow;  reduction  flame,  green.  From  the  similar  iron  re- 
action, the  hot  uranium  bead  is  distinguished  by  emitting  a 
bluish-green  light. 

Phosphorus  Salt  Bead — Reduction  flame,  fine  green ; 
while  'iron  yields,  when  cold,  a  reddish  or  colorless  bead. 

With  Acid  Potassic  Sulphate  in  the  Platinum  Spiral The 

fused  mass  is  ground  together  with  a  few  granules  of  crystal- 
lized soda,  moistened  with  water,  and  absorbed  by  blotting- 
paper.  When  acidulated  with  acetic  acid,  ferrocyanide  of 
potassium  produces  a  brown  spot. 

SILICIC   COMPOUNDS.     Phosphorus  Salt Small  splinters 

of  silicates  yield  a  gelatinous,  infusible,  silica  mass,  suspended 
or  swimming  in  the  bead. 

With  Soda  on  Platinum  Wire — In  oxidizing  flame  a  clear 
bead  is  produced  with  strong  effervescence.  When  this  bead 
is  treated  with  water  and  acetic  acid,  and  the  solution  carefully 
evaporated,  a  gelatinous  mass  of  hydrous  silicic  acid  separates. 

PHOSPHORUS  COMPOUNDS — The  completely  dried  sample 
is  put  into  a  glass  tube  together  with  a  few  cuttings  of  magne- 
sium wire,  or  a  small  piece  of  metallic  sodium,  and  heated  over 
the  burner  until  the  whole  mass  glows  and  fuses.  The  tube  is 
now  broken  and  the  contents  moistened  with  water,  when 
the  characteristic  odor  of  phosphide  of  hydrogen  is  evolved, 
resembling  that  of  rotten  fish. 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS.  127 

SULPHUR  COMPOUNDS.  With  Soda  on  the  Charcoal  Rod. 
— In  the  lower  reduction  zone  a  fused  mass  is  obtained  which, 
when  placed  upon  silver-foil,  or  a  silver  coin,  and  then 
moistened  with  a  drop  of  water,  produces  a  black  spot.  How- 
ever, this  reaction  is  only  reliable,  when  the*  coal  gas,  used  in 
the  burner,  is  free  from  sulphur,  and  after  the  absence  of  sele- 
nium and  tellurium  has  been  ascertained,  since  these  elements 
yield  the  same  reaction. 

Metallic  sulphides  show  their  contents  of  sulphur  by  the 
evolution  of  sulphorous  acid  gas  (SO2),  bleaching  vegetable 
colors,  such  as  litmus,  and  having  the  well-known  suffocating 
odor  of  burning  sulphur. 

10.  SPECTRUM  ANALYSIS.* 

An  entirely  new  branch  of  chemical  analysis  of  great  deli- 
cacy and  importance,  was  developed  in  1859,  chiefly  by  the 
researches  of  R.  Bunsen  and  G.  Kirchhoff,  the  principles  of 
which  may  here  be  briefly  stated. 

It  had  long  been  known  that  certain  chemical  substances, 
especially  the  salts  of  the  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths,  when 
strongly  heated  in  the  blowpipe,  or  other  nearly  colorless  flame, 
impart  to  that  flame  a  peculiar  color  by  the  occurrence  of 
which  the  presence  of  the  substance  may  be  detected.  If 
many  of  these  substances  are  present  together,  the  detection  of 
each  by  the  naked  eye  becomes  impossible,  owing  to  the  colors 
being  blended  and  interfering  with  each  other.  Thus  a  small 
trace  of  soda  giving  to  the  flame  an  intense  yellow  color  prevents 
the  eye  from  recognizing  the  purple  tint  of  potassium  salts, 
even  if  large  quantities  of  these  are  present.  This  difficulty 
is  completely  overcome,  and  this  method  of  observation 
rendered  extremely  sensitive,  if,  instead  of  regarding  the  flame 

*  Prof.  Roscoe's  "  Lessons  in  Elementary  Chemistry,  Inorganic  and 
Organic."  London.  Same  author  :  Spectrum  Analysis  with  Engrav- 
ings, etc.  Prof.  Lockyer's  Three  Manchester  Science  Lectures. 
London.  Same  author:  "Studies  in  Spectrum  Analysis."  Young 
on  "  The  Sun."  The  two  last  named  volumes  in  the  "  International 
Scientific  Series." 


128  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

with  the  naked  eye,  it  is  examined  through  a  prism.  This 
consists  of  a  triangular  piece  of  glass,  in  passing  through 
which  the  light  is  refracted  or  bent  out  of  its  course — each  differ- 
ently colored  ray  being  differently  refracted,  so  that  if  a  source 
of  white  light,  such  as  the  flame  of  a  candle,  is  thus  regarded, 
a  continuous  band  of  differently  colored  rays  is  observed — the. 
compound  white  light  being  resolved  into  all  its  single,  vari- 
ously colored  constituents.  The  colored  band  is  called  spectrum, 
and  each  source  of  pure  white  light  gives  the  same  continuous 
spectrum,  stretching  from  red  (the  least  refrangible)  to  violet 
(the  most  refrangible)  color,  identical  in  fact  with  the  colors  of 
the  rainbow. 

The  light  of  the  sun  and  of  celestial  bodies  in  general,  as  well 
as  that  of  the  electric  spark  and  of  all  ordinary  flames,  is  of  a 
compound  nature.  If  a  ray  of  light  from  any  of  the  sources 
mentioned  be  admitted  into  a  dark  room  by  a  small  hole  in  a 
shutter,  or  otherwise,  and  suffered  to  fall  upon  a  glass  prism  in 
the  manner  described  below,  it  will  not  only  be  refracted  from 

Fig.  109. 


its  straight  course,  but  will  be  decomposed  into  a  number  of 
colored  rays,  which  may  be  received  upon  a  white  screen 
placed  behind  the  prism.  When  solar  light  is  employed,  the 
colors  are  extremely  brilliant,  and  spread  into  an  oblong  space 
of  considerable  length.  The  upper  part  of  this  image  or  spec- 
trum will  be  violet  and  the  lower  red,  the  intermediate  portion, 
commencing  from  the  violet,  being  indigo,  blue,  green,  yellow, 
and  orange,  all  graduating  imperceptibly  into  each  other. 
This  is  the  celebrated  experiment  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton  ;  and 
from  it  he  drew  the  inference  that  white  light  is  composed  of 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS.  129 

% 

seven  primitive  colors,  the  rays  of  which  are  differently  refran- 
gible by  the  same  medium,  and  hence  capable  of  being  thus 
separated.  The  violet  rays  are  most  refrangible,  and  the  red 
rays  least. 

If  these  colored  flames  are  examined  by  means  of  a  prism, 
the  light  being  allowed  to  fall  through  a  narrow  slit  upon  the 
prism,  it  is  at  once  seen  that  the  light  thus  refracted  differs 
essentially  from  white  light,  inasmuch  as  it  consists  of  only  a 
particular  set  of  rays,  each  flame  giving  a  spectrum  containing 
a  few  bright  lines.  Thus  the  spectrum  of  the  yellow  soda 
flame  contains  only  one  tine  bright  yellow  line,  while  the 
purple  potash  flame  exhibits  a,  spectrum  in  which  there  are  two 
bright  lines,  of  a  poppy-red  color,  one  lying  at  the  extreme  red, 
and  the  other  of  a  bluish-purple  color  at  the  extreme  violet  end. 
These  peculiar  lines  are  always  produced  by  the  same  chemical 
element,  and  by  no  other  known  substance,  and  the  position  of 
these  lines  always  remains  unaltered.  When  the  spectrum  of 
a  flame  tinted  by  a  mixture  of  sodium  and  potassium  salts  is 
examined,  the  yellow  ray  of  sodium  is  found  to  be  confined  to 
its  own  position,  while  the  potassium-red  and  bluish-purple 
lines  are  as  plainly  seen  as  they  would  have  been  had  no 
sodium  been  present. 

The  colored  flames  which  are  exhibited  by  the  salts  of 
lithium,  barium,  strontium,  and  calcium,  all  give  rise,  like- 
wise, to  a  peculiar  spectrum  by  which  the  presence  or  absence 
of  very  small  quantities  of  these  substances  can  be  ascertained 
with  certainty  when  mixed  together,  simply  by  observing  the 
presence  or  absence  of  the  peculiar  bright  lines  characteristic 
of  the  particular  body.  The  advantage  which  this  new  method 
of  analysis  possesses  over  the  older  processes  lies  in  the  ex- 
treme delicacy,  as  well  as  in  the  great  facility  with  which  the 
presence  of  particular  elements  can  be  detected  with  certainty.* 

*  A  little  of  the  substance  under  examination  is  put  upon  the  loop 
of  a  clean  platinum  wire,  and  inserted  in  the  flame  of  the  Bunsen 
gas  burner.'  Then,  almost  at  a  glance,  whatever  spectra  may  be 
present  can  be  recognized. 


130  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Thus  a  portion  of  sodium  salt  less  than  55^55$  part  of  a  grain 
can  be  detected ;  and  compounds  are  found  to  be  most  widely 
disseminated  throughout  the  earth,  which  were  supposed  to  occur 
very  rarely.      The  extreme   delicacy  of  the   method  is  seen 
when  we  learn  that  every  substance  which  has  ever  been  ex- 
posed to  the  air  for  a  moment  gives  the  soda  line,  when  placed 
in  a  colorless  flame ;  and  when  we  find  that  the  lithium  com- 
pounds, which  were  formerly  supposed  to  be  contained  in  only 
four  minerals,  by  aid  of  spectrum  analysis,  are  found  to  be 
substances  of   most    common   occurrence,   being  observed   in 
almost  all  spring  waters,  in  tea,  tobacco,  milk,  and  blood,  but 
existing   in    such    minute    quantities   as    to   have   altogether 
eluded  recognition  by  the  older  and  less  delicate  analytical 
methods ;  for  example,  SMOMOO  °f  a  grain  of  sodium,  or  67000,000 
of  a  grain  of  lithium,  will  reveal  its  presence  immediately. 
Thus,  in  a  drop  of  native  spring  water,  Li  can   be  detected 
if  a  platinum  wire  is  dipped  into  it  and  held  in  the  flame.     A 
most  striking  proof  of  the  high  value  of  spectrum  analysis  lies 
in  the  fact  of  the  recent  discovery  of  four  new  elements  by  its 
means.     Two    new  alkaline   metals,   c&sium   and   rubidium, 
having  been  found  together  with   soda  and  potash  in  certain 
mineral  springs,  and  two  new  metals,  thallium  and  indium, 
having  been  respectively  discovered  in   iron  pyrites  and  zinc 
ores.     The  new  alkaline  metals  resemble  potassium  so  closely 
in  their  properties,  that  it  would  be  nearly  impossible  to  have 
detected  them  by  the  ordinary  analytical  methods,  although 
their  spectra  exhibit  very  distinct  bright  bands  not  seen  in  the 
potassium  or  any  other  known  spectrum.     The  metal  thallium 
was  discovered  by  observing  a  splendid  green  line  which  did 
not  belong  to  any  known  substance ;  whilst  indium  was  recog- 
nized by  the  presence  of  the  two  lines,  In  a  in   the  indigo  and 
In  j3  in  the  violet  portion  of  the  solar  spectrum. 

It  is  not  only  those  bodies  which  have  the  power  of  impart- 
ing color  to  the  flame  which  yield  characteristic  spectra,  for 
this  property  belongs  to  every  elementary  substance,  whether 
metallic,  non-metallic,  solid,  liquid,  or  gaseous,  and  it  is  always 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS.  131 

observed  when  such  element  is  heated  to  the  point  at  which  its 
vapor  becomes  luminous  ;  for  then  each  element  emits  the 
peculiar  light  given  off  by  it  alone,  and  the  characteristic 
bright  lights  become  apparent  when  its  spectrum  is  observed. 

Spark  Spectra. 

Most  metals  require  a  much  higher  temperature  than  that 
of  the  non-luminous  flame,  in  order  that  their  vapor  should 
become  luminous ;  but  they  may  be  easily  heated  up  to  the 
requisite  temperature  by  means  of  the  electric  spark,  which, 
in  passing  between  two  points  of  the  metal  in  question,  vola- 
tilizes a  small  portion,  and  heats  it  so  intensely  as  to  enable  it 
to  give  off  its  peculiar  light.  Thus  all  the  metals,  among 
others  iron,  platinum,  silver,  and  gold,  may  each  be  recognized 
by  the  peculiar  bright  lines  which  their  spectra  exhibit.  It  is 
to  be  remembered,  however,  that  the  bright  lines  of  the  gases 
through  which  the  spark  passes  (the  air  lines)  will  likewise 
be  observed. 

Spectra  of  Permanent  Gases. 

The  permanent  gases  also  yield  characteristic  spectra  when 
they  are  strongly  heated  by  the  passage  of  an  electric  spark. 
Thus  if  the  spark  be  passed  through  an  atmosphere  of  hydro- 
gen gas,  the  light  emitted  is  one  bright  red,  one  green,  and 
one  blue  line ;  whilst  in  nitrogen  gas  the  spark  has  a  purple 
color,  and  the  peculiar  and  complicated  spectrum  of  nitrogen 
is  observed  when  this  spark  is  examined  with  a  prism. 

Tn  order  to  detect  several  flame-coloring  elements  when 
occurring  together,  it  is  easiest  and  best  to  use  the  spectro- 
scope. If  a  colored  flame  be  observed  by  means  of  the  spectro- 
scope, bright  colored  lines  upon  a  dark  ground  are  perceived. 
This  arises  from  the  fact  that  each  element  gives  out  a  light 
peculiar  to  itself,  which  is  resolved  into  single  rays  by  the 
prism  of  the  spectroscope,  and  these  rays  form  the  lines  seen  in 
the  apparatus.  The  lines  vary  in  color,  position,  and  manner 
of  grouping  with  each  element :  these  characteristic  differ- 


132  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ences  form  the  basis  of  the  most  sensitive  and  exact  method 
of  analysis,  the  so-called  spectrum  analysis. 

The  spectrum  lines  of  the  most  important  elements  are  given 
in  the  following  table.  The  numbers  in  this  table  indicate  the 
divisions  of  a  scale  on  which  the  various  lines  fall  when  the 
sodium  line  coincides  with  the  fiftieth  division.  The  heavy 
figures  represent  the  prominent  characteristic  lines,  which 
only  appear  at  high  temperatures  and  then  soon  disappear. 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS. 


133 


1 

s      2 

o          CD 
^            ^H 

i 

1     § 

: 

i 

§ 

00  00 

IT3 

O 

00 
rH 

V^-v-^ 

i 

I    8 

i                         5 

rH 
rH 
rH 

®       o 

S             iH 

«             l~l 

1—  I  I—  1 

0                         : 

§ 

rH 

.                        ^~                  . 

:                          : 

§ 

:                : 

g             :                         : 

s        O 
a          00 

• 

S 

CO  GO 

t* 

rH                    •                                      ' 

0 

g 

CO  co           Ir- 
co  CO  -^      er^ 
i       -        i»  T»  ?*      rl 

CO  CO              CO 

CO                    .           N           I>        . 

g             :       CD       CD  ^: 

Is     o 

5  d        QO 

CO                    t- 

«  ^          « 

csf  °           *         <^          *      ' 

»T5                                         lO 

I     g 

^5          •       lO      '^ 

ro  lO       ,      lO             (~c> 

"^l^lfl  ^       ^--05     :      : 

1      o 

o        ^r 

Z        I     CO      .                ; 

Oi                co  co     IT-             ;        ; 

CO                   CO  CO      CO                •         • 

5     i   8  S              5 

S               :     ^^     :     i 

1     8 

15  =r^  = 

:        co           :        :      : 

1   s 

to 
:    t*      :          :        ""* 

:     rH        :              •           (g 

rH 

:            :          :        :      : 

0 

rH 

i      :      :          i            : 

:            :          :        :      : 

.2 

1      o 

• 
5 

s                 s 

a   -    a        g        .2 
1    S   .2       I         5 

1  1  3      8       -§ 

02     PH     h^          O              «  ' 

S                  a 

1     1    1   1  | 

d       loll 

12 


134  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Solar  and  Stellar  Chemistry. 

If  sunlight  be  allowed  to  fall  upon  the  slit  of  the  spectro- 
scope, it  is  observed  that  the  solar  spectrum  thus  obtained 
differs  essentially  from  the  spectra  which  we  have  hitherto 
considered,  inasmuch  as  it  consists  of  a  band  of  bright  light 
passing  from  red  to  violet,  but  intersected  by  a  very  large  num- 
ber of  fine  dark  lines,  of  different  degrees  of  breadth  and 
shade,  which  are  always  present,  and  always  occupy  exactly 
the  same  relative  positions  in  the  solar  spectrum.  The  student 
is  recommended  to  consult  the  colored  charts  which  are  pub- 
lished, giving  the  general  appearance  of  the  solar  spectrum  and 
the  position  of  some  of  the  most  important  of  these  dark  lines, 
marked  with  the  letters  of  the  alphabet.  These  lines  indicate 
the  absence  in  sunlight  of  particular  rays,  and  they  may  be  con- 
sidered as  shadows,  or  spaces  where  there  is  no  light;  they 
are  called  "  Frauenhofer"  lines,*  after  a  German  optician 
who  first  satisfactorily  mapped  and  described  them. 

In  the  last  few  years  the  existence  of  these  lines  has  become 
a  matter  of  great  importance  and  interest,  as  it  is  by  their 
help  that  the  determination  of  the  chemical  constitution  of  the 
sun  and  far-distant  stars  has  become  possible.  The  spectra  of 
the  moon  and  planets  (reflected  sunlight)  are  found  to  exhibit 
these  same  lines  in  unaltered  position,  while  in  the  spectra  of 
the  fixed  stars,  dark  lines  also  occur,  but  these  stellar  lines  are 
different  from  those  seen  in  direct  and  reflected  sunlight. 
Hence  the  conclusion  has  been  drawn  that  the  Frauenhofer 
lines  are  in  some  way  produced  in  the  body  of  the  sun  itself; 
but  it  is  only  recently  that  the  cause  of  their  production  has 
been  discovered  by  the  joint  labors  of  Bunsen  and  Kirchhoff, 
and  thus  the  foundation  laid  for  the  science  of  solar  and  stellar 
chemistry. 

If  the  position  of  these  "dark  lines  in  the  solar  spectrum  be 
carefully  compared  in  a  powerful  spectroscope  with  those  of  the 

*  Dark  lines  running  lengthwise  of  the  spectrum  often  confuse  the 
beginner.  They  are  due  to  dust-specks  on  the  slit  of  the  spectroscope. 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS.  135 

bright  lines  in  the  spectra  of  certain  metals,  such  as  sodium, 
iron,  and  magnesium,  etc.,  it  is  seen  that  each  of  the  bright 
lines  of  the  particular  metal  coincides  not  only  in  position- but 
also  in  breadth  and  intensity  with  a  dark  solar  line  ;  so  that, 
if  the  apparatus  be  so  arranged  that  a  solar  and  metallic  spec- 
trum be  both  allowed  to  fall,  one  below  the  other,  in  the  field 
of  the  telescope,  the  bright  lines  of  the  metal  are  all  seen  to  be 
continued  in  dark  solar  lines.  In  the  case  of  metallic  iron 
alone,  more  than  sixty  such  coincidences  have  been  observed, 
and  the  higher  the  magnifying  power  employed,  the  more  strik- 
ing and  exact  does  this  coincidence  appear. 

With  other  metals,  such  for  instance  as  gold,  antimony, 
lithium,  no  single  coincidence  can  be  noticed,  while  all  the 
lines  of  certain  other  metals  have  their  dark  representatives  in 
the  sun.  From  these  facts  it  is  clear  that  there  must  be  some 
kind  of  connection  between  the  bright  lines  of  these  metals  and 
the  coincident  dark  solar  lines.  Are  such  coincidences  of  the 
dark  solar  lines  with  the  bright  iron  lines  caused  by  the  pre- 
sence of  iron  in  the  sun  ?  And  if  so,  how  do  these  lines  come 
to  appear  dark  in  the  solar  spectrum  ? 

The  explanation  of  this  is  given  by  an  experiment  in  which 
the  bright  metallic  lines  are  reversed  or  changed  into  dark  lines. 
Thus  the  bright  yellow  soda  lines  (coincident  with  Frauenho- 
fer's  line  "  D'')  can  be  made  to  appear  as  a  dark  line,  by  allow- 
ing the  rays  from  a  strong  source  of  white  light,  such  as  the 
oxyhydrogen  light,  to  pass  through  a  flame  colored  by  soda, 
and  then  fall  upon  the  slit  of  the«spectroscope.*  Instead  of 
then  seeing  the  usual  soda  spectrum  of  a  bright  yellow  double 
line  upon  a  dark  ground,  a  double  dark  line,  identical  in  posi- 

*  The  experiment  may  be  made  thus  :  Between  the  strong  light, 
capable  of  giving  a  continuous  spectrum,  and  the  slit  in  the  spectro- 
scope, a  layer  of  sodium  vapor  is  interposed,  produced  by  heating  a 
little  metallic  sodium  in  an  iron  spoon.  This  sodium  vapor  absorbs 
the  yellow  ray  which  the  more  intensely  heated  sodium  vapor  of  the 
oxyhydrogen  light  emits,  and  a  dark  line  will  be  seen  in  its  place, 
i.  e.,  the  sodium  line  has  been  reversed. 


136  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

tion  and  breadth -with  the  soda  line,  will  be  seen  to  intersect 
the  continuous  spectrum  of  the  white  light.  Here  then  the 
yellow  flame  has  absorbed  the  same  kind  of  light  as  it  emitted, 
a  consequent  diminution  of  intensity  in  that  part  of  the  spec- 
trum occurred,  and  a  dark  line  made  its  appearance.  In  like 
manner  the  spectra  of  many  other  substances  have  been  re- 
versed, each  substance  in  the  state  of  vapor  having  the  power 
of  absorbing  the  same  rays  it  emits,  or  being  opaque  to  such 
rays.* 

The  explanation  of  the  existence  of  dark  lines  in  the  solar 
spectrum,  coincident  with  bright  metallic  lines,  now  becomes 
evident.  These  dark  lines  are  caused  by  the  passage  of  white 
light  through  the  glowing  vapor  of  the  metals  in  question, 
present  in  the  sun's  atmosphere,  and  these  vapors  absorb  ex- 
actly the  same  kind  of  light  which  they  are  able  to  emit.  The 
sun's  atmosphere,  therefore,  contains  these  metals  in  the  condi- 
tion of  glowing  gases  ;  the  white  light  proceeding  from  the  solid 
or  liquid  strongly  heated  mass  of  the  sun  which  lies  in  the 
interior. 

By  observing  the  coincidences  of  these  dark  lines  with  the 
bright  lines  of  terrestrial  metals,  we  arrive  at  a  knowledge  of 
the  presence  of  such  metals  in  the  solar  atmosphere  with  as 
great  a  degree  of  certainty  as  we  are  able  to  attain  in  any 
question  of  physical  science.  The  metals  hitherto  detected  in 
the  sun's  atmosphere  are  nine  in  number,  viz.,  iron,  sodium, 
magnesium,  calcium,  chromium,  nickel,  barium,  copper,  and 
zinc.  Hydrogen  and  oxygen  are  also  known  to  exist  in  the  sun. 

Stellar  Chemistry. 

The  same  methods  of  observation  and  reasoning  apply  to  the 
determination  of  the  chemical  constitution  of  the  atmospheres 
of  the  fixed  stars,  as  these  are  self-luminous  suns ;  but  the  ex- 
perimental difficulties  are  greater,  and  the  results,  therefore, 

*  This  is  in  accordance  with  the  physical  law  that  substances  when 
cold  absorb  the  same  rays  which  they  give  out  when  hot. 


SPECTRUM    ANALYSIS. 


137 


are  as  yet  less  complete,  though  not  less  conclusive,  than  is  the 
case  with  our  sun. 

The  spectra  of  the  stars  contain  dark  lines,  but  these  are  for 
the  most  part  different  from  the  solar  lines,  and  differ  from  one 
another ;  hence  we  conclude  that  the  chemical  constitutions  of 
the  solar  and  stellar  atmospheres  are  different.  Many  of  the 
substances  known  on  the  earth  have  been  detected  in  the 
atmosphere  of  the  stars  by  Mr.  Huggins  and  Prof.  W.  A.  Miller, 
to  whom  we  owe  this  most  important  discovery. 

The  bright  star  Aldebarcm,  for  instance,  contains  hydrogen, 
sodium,  magnesium,  calcium,  iron,  antimony,  mercury,  bis- 
muth, and  tellurium. 

Spectroscope. 

The  instrument  used  in  these  experiments  is  termed  a  spec- 
troscope. It  consists  of  a  prism,  a  (Fig.  110),  fixed  upon  a 
firm  iron  stand,  and  a  tube,  b  (collimator),  carrying  the  slit,  rf, 
through  which  the  rays  from  the  colored. flames,  ef  and  e*  fall 

Fig.  110. 


upon  the  prism,  being  rendered  parallel  by  passing  through  a 
lens.  The  light  having  passed  through  the  prism,  and  having 
been  refracted  or  split  up  into  its  constituents,  the  differently 
colored  rays  are  received  by  the  telescope,/,  and  the  image 

12* 


138 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


magnified  before  reaching  the  eye.  The  rays  from  each  flame 
are  made  to  pass  into  the  telescope,/,  one  set  through  the  un- 
covered half  of  the  slit,  the  other  by  total  reflection  through 
a  small  prism  through  the  lower  half;  thus  bringing  the  two 
spectra  into  the  field  of  view  at  once,  so  as  to  be  able  to  make 
any  desired  comparison  of  the  lines. 

Measuring  the  Spectrum. — But  for  scientific  purposes  the 
instrument  requires  the  most  accurate  means  for  measuring  the 
spaces  of  the  spectrum.  For  this  purpose  a  third  tube,  g,  has 
been  added.  At  its  outer  end  there  is  a  glass  plate  upon  which 
is  engraved  or  photographed  a  scale  of  minute  divisions.  A 
lamp,  ^,  placed  in  front  of  this  tube,  #,  throws  the  image  of 
this  scale  through  the  tube  and  lens  at  the  end  nearest  to  the 
prism,  so  that  it  falls  upon  the  face  of  the  prism,  a,  at  such  an 
angle  as  to  be  reflected  through  the  telescope,/,  to  the  eye. 
The  scale  is  permanent,  and  parallel  with  it  the  observer  sees 
the  spectrum  of  whatever  light  is  employed,  and  can  thus  fix 
arid  compare  the  position  of  the  lines  with  exactness. 

Fig.  112. 


c        /— , 


In  Fig.  Ill  is  seen  the  tube,  g,  containing  the  photographed 
scale,  illuminated  by  a  gas  jet,  c,  and  the  manner  in  which 
both  are  fastened  to  the  brass  case,  having  a  cover  to  keep  off 
foreign  light  as  well  as  dust,  from  the  prism.  The  Bunsen 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  139 

burners,  /,  A,  together  with  the  two  supporters,  i,  and  &,  serve 
for  volatilizing  the  substances  to  be  investigated.  If  the 
flames,  e  and  e',  are  brought  in  proper  position  relative  to  the 
slit  of  tube,  #,  the  brass  case,  together  with  prism  and  tubes, 
is  then  turned  until  the  intensity  of  the  spectrum  light"  has 
attained  its  maximum  value.  As  the  illuminating  lamp,  e, 
and  the  scale,  g,  are  likewise  fastened  to  the  brass  case,  all 
must  turn  together,  and  the  illumination  of  the  scale  will 
remain  the  same. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

SPECIAL  METHODS  FOR  DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS,  OR 
SOME  OF  THEIR  COMBINATIONS  WHEN  PRESENT  IN  COM- 
PLEX CHEMICAL  COMPOUNDS. 

1.  ALUMINA,  A12O3.  This  may  be  traced  in  most  of  the 
infusible  minerals  by  the  blue  color  which  the  assay  assumes 
when,  after  being  strongly  heated,  it  is  moistened  with  cobalt 
solution  and  reheated.  Very  hard  minerals,  such  as  corundum, 
must  previously  be  very  finely  pulverized. 

Native  crystallized  alumina,  such  as  corundum,  ruby,  sap- 
phire, emery,  are,  like  strongly  ignited  amorphous  alumina, 
almost  entirely  insoluble  in  acids,  but  when  fused  with  bisul- 
phate  of  potassium,  caustic  or  carbonate  of  potassium  pass  into 
a  soluble  condition.  The  colorless  alumina  salts  are  either 
insoluble  or  soluble  in  water,  losing  the  acid  upon  ignition. 
Caustic  alkalies  precipitate  from  solutions  a  gelatinous  basic 
salt,  soluble  in  an  excess  of  the  precipitant.  From  this  solution 
alumina  is  thrown  down  by  sal-ammoniac  (or  better,  after  the 
neutralization  with  HC1,  by  ammoniaor carbonate  ofammonium). 
Ammonia,  carbonate  of  ammonium,  and  sulphide  ofammonium, 


140  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

precipitate  gelatinous  hydroxide  =  A12(OH)6,  soluble  somewhat 

in  the  first,  insoluble  in  the  other  reagents  mentioned,  e.  g., 

(S04)4A12K2+  6NH.+  6H20  =  3[SO4(NH4)  J+  SO4KS 

+  A1,(OH)6. 

In  the  presence  of  magnesia  the  precipitate,  resulting  from 
alkalies,  contains  magnesia,  readily  separated  by  repeated  solu- 
tions in  HC1,  and  reprecipitation  by  ammonia,  or  preferably  by 
boiling  with  sal-ammoniac  solution  until  no  ammoniacal  odor 
can  be  perceived,  when  the  magnesia  passes  into  solution  as 
an  ammoniacal  double  salt. 

Phosphate  of  soda  precipitates  from  alumina  salts  gelatinous 
phosphate  of  alumina,  soluble  in  potassa,  but  insoluble  in  acetic 
acid  (distinctive  from  lime  phosphate).  Chloride  of  barium, 
or  aqueous  baryta  solution,  removes  from  a  solution  of  phosphate 
of  alumina  in  potassa,  all  the  phosphoric  acid  in  the  form  of 
phosphate  of  baryta.  From  an  alkaline  solution  of  alumina 
the  addition  of  silicate  of  potassa  (soluble  glass)  produces  a 
precipitate  of  silicate  of  alumina,  leaving  in  solution  all  the 
phosphoric  acid. 

2.  AMMONIA.  The  substance  is  mixed  with  some  caustic 
soda,  potash  or  lime  in  the  closed  tube  (a  common  reagent  tube 
will  answer),  arid  the  mixture  heated,  when  ammonia  gas  is 
evolved,  recognizable  1st,  by  its  pungent  odor  (hartshorn)  ; 
2d,  by  turning  moistened  red  litmus  paper  blue ;  3d,  by  its 
producing  dense  white  fumes  with  the  vapor  of  concentrated 
hydrochloric  acid,  when  the  latter,  suspended  on  a  glass-rod, 
is  brought  near  it ;  4th,  by  Nessler's  test.  The  fact  must  not 
be  overlooked,  however,  that  organic  nitrogenous  bodies  evolve 
ammonia  as  a  product  of  decomposition,  when  these  are 
heated  to  redness  with  a  sufficient  excess  of  powdered  caustic 
potash  or  soda,  or  a  mixture  of  caustic  (burnt)  lime  and 
soda. 

Ammonia  jnay  be  obtained  even  from  a  nitrate  salt  by  igni- 
tion with  potash-lime,  provided  that  a  non-azotized  body,  like 
sugar,  be  added  to  the  mixture,  but  only  when  the  latter  is  in 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  141 

great  excess,  e.  g.,  1  part  nitre  and  40  parts  sugar,  has  been 
found  to  be  the  best  proportion. 

Platinic  chloride  precipitates  from  ammonia  solutions  a  yel- 
low precipitate,  insoluble  in  alcohol  or  ether.  It  leaves  upon 
ignition  pure,  spongy  platinum. 

3.  ANTIMONY.  The  ores  of  antimony  afford  usually  white 
fumes  or  charcoal  when  heated  on  aluminium  foil,  which  are 
inodorous.  In  the  open  tube  antimony  gives  a  white  sublimate, 
coating  the  glass.  Antimony  sulphides  give  at  a  strong  heat  in 
the  closed  tube  a  sublimate  which  is  black  while  hot,  brownish- 
red  when  cold.  Treated  with  nitric  acid,  compounds  of  antimony 
deposit  white  antimonic  oxide  (Sb2O5). 

In  order  to  trace  antimony  when  combined  with  other  volatile 
metals,  the  white  coating  on  coal  is  touched  with  a  drop  of 
hydriodic  acid,*  and  once  more  heated.  When  its  coating  con- 
sists of  antimony  it  turns  to  a  fine  red  ;  if  bismuth,  to  brown  ;  if 
lead,  to  a  light  yellow  ;  if  cadmium,  to  white.  Since  these 
colored  coatings  are  very  distinct  and  different,  all  the  metals 
quoted  may  be  recognized  when  present  together  (Haanel). 

When  antimony  is  combined  with  lead  and  bismuth  it  is  best 
detected  by  treating  the  substance  with  fused  boric  acid  on  the 
O.  F.  When  the  oxides  of  lead  and  bismuth  are  aborbed  by 
the  boric  acid,  and  the  charcoal  becomes  coated  with  a  subli- 
mate which,  when  the  blowing  has  not  been  too  strong,  consists 
of  oxide  of  antimony,  only  free  from  the  oxides  of  lead  and 
bismuth. 

When  antimony  is  combined  with  copper  it  is  separated  from 
it  with  difficulty,  and  the  coating  of  antimony  is  scarcely  re- 
cognizable on  the  charcoal.  Under  these  circumstances  the 
alloy  is  heated  in  the  O.  F.  with  a  bead  of  S.  Ph.  until  the 
latter  has  dissolved  a  portion  of  the  antimony,  the  glass  is  then 
removed  from  the  remaining  metallic  granule,  placed  on  char- 
coal and  heated  with  tin  in  the  R.  F.  If  the  bead  turns  turbid 

*  HI  is  obtained  when  pulverized  iodine  is  suspended  in  water  and 
a  current  of  sulphide  of  hydrogen  gas  passed  through  it. 


142  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

and  black,  antimony  is  indicated.  However,  as  bismuth  gives 
the  same  reaction,  it  is  best  to  separate  and  distinguisli  them 
in  the  wet  way. 

When  the  oxides  of  antimony,  tin,  and  copper  are  combined 
together,  we  treat  the  mineral  powder  with  a  mixture  of  soda 
and  borax  in  the  R.  F.  on  coal.  The  metallic  globules  are  re- 
moved from  the  glassy  mass  and  fused  with  3-4  parts  (by 
volume)  of  pure  test-lead  and  fused  boric  acid,  when  metallic 
copper  remains  behind,  while  tin  goes  into  the  slag,  and  anti- 
mony coats  the  coal  white. 

Sulphides  of  lead  and  antimony  are  mixed  with  soda  and 
treated  in  the  R.  F.  on  charcoal ;  when  near  the  assay  the  yellow 
lead  coating  appears,  and  beyond  this  the  white  sublimate  of 
antimony. 

Compounds  of  antimony  are,  according  to  Plattner,  heated 
for  a  short  time  in  the  open  tube,  when  they  yield  a  mixture 
of  crystals  (compare  arsenic)  and  amorphous  antimonious  acid. 
A  small  amount  of  antimony  mixed  with  sulphide  of  arsenic  is 
detected  by  heating  the  dry  mixture  gently  in  a  closed  tube ; 
the  sulphide  of  arsenic  volatilizes,  while  the  dark  colored  sul- 
phide of  antimony  remains  where  the  assay  was  originally 
placed.  The  tube  is  then  cut  off  between  the  two  sulphides, 
and  the  dark  sulphide  of  antimony  transferred  to  an  open  tube. 
By  applying  heat  the  characteristic  antimony  reaction  will 
appear.  When  the  quantity  is  extremely  small,  the  tube  is 
crushed,  and  the  fragments,  with  the  adhering  sulphides,  are 
introduced  into  the  open  tube. 

Antimony  fuses  at  425°  C.  (797°  F.),  and  volatilizes  slowly 
at  a  white  heat.  By  fusing  it  in  the  air  it  takes  fire,  forming 
a  dense  white,  inodorous  vapor,  consisting  of  antimonious  oxide, 
Sb2O3.  Antimony  is  very  nearly  insoluble  fn  HC1,  and  H2SO3; 
in  aqua  regia  easily  soluble  to  antimonious  or  antimonic  chlo- 
ride, SbCl3  and  SbCl5.  With  nitric  acid  it  forms  a  mixture  of 
white  antimonious  and  white  antimonic  oxide,  insoluble  in  the 
acid.  Hot  sulphuric  acid  dissolves  it,  forming  antimonious 
sulphate  with  evolution  of  SO2.  All  the  sulphur  compounds  of 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  143 

antimony  are  soluble  in  hot  concentrated  HC1,  forming  SbCl3 
with  evolution  of  H2S. 

Sb2O3  is  volatile  at  red  heat,  easily  soluble  in  hydrochloric 
and  tartaric  acids,  insoluble  in  nitric  acid.  Its  unstable  salts 
are  decomposed  with  much  water,  a  white  basic  salt  separates, 
while  the  acid  solution  contains  yet  Sb2O3,  viz.,  4SbCl3-f5H20 
rr=2SbOCl-fSb2O3+10HCl.  Tartaric  acid  prevents  this  re- 
action. Zinc  separates  from  solutions  of  Sb.2O3,  in  the  absence 
of  nitric  acid,  a  black  powder  of  metallic  Sb.  When  a  few 
drops  of  a  compound  of  antimony,  previously  acidulated  with 
HC1  (nitric  acid  is  injurious)  is  brought  together  with  a  little 
zjnc  upon  platinum  foil,  the  latter  becomes  covered  with  a  black 
or  brown  deposit.  This  reaction  is  very  sensitive,  and  takes 
place  even  with  a  dilute  solution,  a  brown  spot  being  formed 
at  once,*  soluble  in  warm  nitric  acid,  antimonic  acid  being 
produced. 

H2S  produces  in  acid  solutions  of  antimonious  acid  salts, 
orange-red  Sb2S3,  easily  soluble  in  (NH4)2S,  or  in  caustic  alkali, 
but  very  little  soluble  in  ammonia,  and  insoluble  in  bicarbonate 
of  ammonium  and  dilute  acids.  Warm  HC1  dissolves  it  to  SbCl3, 
while  H2S  escapes.  A  dilute  solution  of  tartar  emetic  is  colored 
orange  by  H2S,  but  is  precipitated  by  the  addition  of  acid. 
Caustic  alkalies,  alkaline  carbonates,  as  well  as  ammonia,  and 
carbonate  of  ammonia,  throw  down  white  amorphous  antimo- 
nious hydroxide,  Sb(OH)3,  soluble  in  caustic  alkali,  insoluble 
in  ammonia. 

There  are  two  hydrogen  antimoniates  or  acids  :  antimonic 
acid,  H2OSb2O5,  or  HSbO3  (monobasic)  and  metantimonic  acid 
(H20)2Sb2O7  (dibasic),  or  isomeric  with  antimonic  acid,  and 
monobasic. 

The  normal  antimoniates,  as  KSbO3,  are  all  insoluble  in 
water,  except  a  hydrated  potassium  antimoniate,  and  this  is 
made  anhydrous  and  insoluble  by  boiling  the  solution. 

The  super-antimoniates,  as  (K2O)2Sb2O5,  are  all  insoluble  in 
water. 

*  A  characteristic  difference  from  arsenic  and  tin  compounds. 


144  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  monobasic  potassium  meta-antimoniate,  KSb03,  is  used 
as  a  precipitant  for  sodium  (with  all  other  acids  soda  forms 
soluble  salts],  and  is  prepared  by  fusing  antimonic  acid  with  a 
large  excess  of  potassium  hydrate;  then  dissolving,  filtering, 
evaporating,  and  digesting  hot  the  syrupy  solution,  with  large 
excess  of  potassium  hydrate,  best  in  a  silver  dish,  decanting 
the  alkaline  liquor,  and  stirring  the  residue,  to  granulate  dry  ; 
this  reagent  must  be  kept  dry,  and  only  dissolved  when  re- 
quired for  use  to  precipitate  soda.  The  reagent  is  of  course 
not  applicable  to  acid  solutions. 

On  the  insolubility  of  meta-antimoniate  of  soda  rests  one  of 
the  best  methods  for  the  separation  of  antimony  from  other 
metals,  and  particularly  from  arsenic.  Any  compound  of  an- 
timony (except  the  sulphide)  being  intimately  mixed  in  a  porce- 
lain crucible  with  four  parts  of  nitrate  of  soda  and  two  parts  of 
anhydrous  carbonate  of  soda,  and  heated  until  the  mass  becomes 
entirely  white,  then  treated,  when  cold,  with  water  (or  still 
better  with  very  dilute  alcohol),  all  the  antimony  remains  as 
meta-antimoniate  of  soda,  the  arsenic  as  an  arseniate  of  the 
alkali  is  found  in  the  solution. 

For  the  formation  of  and  reaction  of  antimonious  hydride, 
SbH3,  compare  arsenic. 

4.  ARSENIC  (Arsenicum).  A  steel-gray,  lustrous,  brittle, 
and  easily  pulverizable  non-metallic  element,  vaporizing  directly 
from  the  solid  state  at  356°  C.  (673°  F.)  in  closed  vessels; 
the  vapor  being  colorless,  with  a  strong  garlic  odor. 

Arsenious  and  arsenic  acids  are  reduced  to  the  elementary 
metallic  state  by  several  methods  of  great  analytical  importance. 
By  the  action  of  hydrogen  gas,  generated  from  an  acid  solution 
(Marsh's  test),  it  is  reduced  from  all  its  soluble  compounds 
when  it  enters  into  a  combination  with  the  hydrogen,  to  arseni- 
ous  hydride,  AsH3,  which  is  gaseous  and  extremely  poisonous. 
The  latter  can  be  identified  by  numerous  reactions,  and  from 
it  the  arsenic  can  again  readily  be  obtained  in  its  free  elemen 
tary  state.  The  hydrogen  is  generated  by  sulphuric  acid 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  145 

diluted  with   6  to  8  parts  of  water  and  zinc  (both  free  from 
arsenic). 

Zn  +  H2Sb4=ZnSb4  +  2H. 

The   hydrogen   removes  the  oxygen   from   either  oxide  of 
arsenic,*  forming  water,  and  then  combines  with  the  arsenic, 
two  atoms  of  hydrogen  taking  the  place  of  one  atom  of  oxygen. 
H3AsO3  +  3(Zn  -f  H2SO4)  =  3ZnSO4  +  3H20  +  AsH3. 

Arsenious  hydride  gas  (arsine)  burns  with  a  somewhat  lumi- 
nous and  slightly  bluish  flame  (distinct  from  pure  hydrogen). 

If  a  piece  of  cold  porcelain  is  held  in  the  flame  the  reduction 
of  temperature  prevents  the  oxidation  of  As,  which  is  at  once 
deposited  in  dark,  steel-gray  spots. 

Arsenious  hydride  is  decomposed  by  heat  alone.  In  passing 
through  glass  tubes,  heated  to  incipient  redness,  the  gas  is  de- 
composed, the  arsenic  adhering  to  the  inner  surface  of  the  tube 
beyond  the  heated  part,  as  a  steel-gray  mirror  coating.  The 
following  reactions  exhibited  by  these  deposits  will  serve  to 
distinguish  arsenic  from  antimony. 

ARSENIC  SPOTS.  ANTIMONY  SPOTS. 

Dissolve  in  liypochlorite  of  soda,  Do  not  dissolve  in  hypochlorite. 
(NaCIO). 

Warmed  with  a  drop  of  ammo-  Warmed  with  sulphide  of  ammo- 
nium sulphide  form  yellow  ilium  form  orange  spots,  insoluble 
spots  soluble  in  ammonium  in  ammonium  carbonate,  soluble 
carbonate,  insoluble  in  HC1.  in  HC1. 

A    drop    of  hot  nitric  acid  dis-  A  drop   of  hot   dilute   nitric  acid 

solves  them.  turns  them  white. 

This  clear  solution  mixed  with  a  These  white  spots,  treated  with 

drop  of  solution  of  silver  ni-  silver  nitrate  and  vapor  of  am- 

trate,  gives  when  treated  with  monia,  give  no  color,  but  when 

vapor   of    ammonia    (evolved  warmed  with  a  drop  of  ammo- 

from   a   glass   rod,   moistened  mum   hydrate    they   assume    a 

with   ammonium   hydrate)    a  black  color, 
brick-red  or  a  yellow  color. 


*  Free  arsenic  and  arsenious  sulphides  are  not  acted  upon  by  the 
nascent  hydrogen. 
13 


146 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


With  vapor  of  iodine  the  color 
turns  yellow,  by  formation  of 
arsenious  iodide  readily  volatile 
when  heated. 


With  vapor  of  iodine  color  more 
or  less  carmine-red,  by  formation 
of  antimonious  iodide  not  readily 
volatile  by  heating. 


ARSENIC  MIRROR. 

Deposited  beyond  the  flame,  the 
gas  being  decomposed  at  a  red 
heat. 

By  vaporization  in  the  stream  of 
gas  arsenic  escapes  with  a  gar- 
lic odor. 

By  the  slow  vaporization  of  arsenic 
in  a  current  of  air,  established 
in  an  open  glass  tube,  contain- 
ing the  assay,  which  should 
be  held  obliquely  over  a  lamp, 
a  deposit  of  octahedral  crys- 
tals  (see  Fig.  113)  is  obtained 
beyond  the  source  of  heat. 
Should  enough  As  be  present, 
a  dense,  white  coating  is  de- 
posited which,  when  examined 
with  a  magnifying  glass,  may 
exhibit  crystalline  forms.  This 
white  sublimate  of  As203  is  so- 
luble in  water,  and  the  solu- 
tion can  be  tested  in  the  wet 
way. 


ANTIMONY  MIRROR. 

Deposited  before  or  on  both  sides  ; 
the  gas  being  decomposed  con- 
siderably below  a  red  heat. 

The  vapor  has  no  odor. 


By  vaporization  in  a  current  of  air 
a  white  amorphous  coating  is 
obtained,  insoluble  in  water,  so- 
luble in  HC1,  and  giving  reactions 
for  antimony. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS. 


147 


Apparatus  for  "Marsh's"  Tests  above  mentioned. 

In  Marsh's  apparatus,  Fig.  114,  A  is  the  gas  evolving  bottle, 
provided  with  funnel  tube  a,  and  escape  tube  b.    B  is  a  chloride 


Fig.  114. 


Fig.  115. 


of  calcium  tube  supported  by  stand  O.  Tube  b  is  connected  to 
c  by  India-rubber  joint  d.  The  gas  issues  at  point  of  tube  /, 
where  it  may  be  inflamed.*  A  simple  apparatus,  consisting  of 
a  test-tube  provided  with  a  cork  and  deliv- 
ery tube,  may  serve  in  many  experiments. 
A  convenient  form  of  Marsh's  instrument 
is  that  shown  in  the  drawing  (Fig.  115); 
it  consists  of  a  bent  tube  having  two  bulbs 
blown  upon  it,  fitted  with  a  stopcock  and 
narrow  jet.  Slips  of  zinc  are  put  into  the 
lower  bulb,  which  is  afterwards  filled  with 
the  liquid  to  be  examined.  On  replacing 
the  stopcock,  closed,  the  gas  collects  and 
forces  the  fluid  into  the  upper  bulb,  which 
then  acts  by  its  hydrostatic  pressure,  and 
expels  the  gas  through  the  jet  as  soon  as 
the  stopcock  is  opened.  It  must  be  borne 

*  The  inexperienced  experimenter  is  cautioned  not  to  light  the  gas 
before  all  the  air  has  escaped,  otherwise  an  explosion,  and  destruction 
of  the  apparatus  may  take  place. 


118  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

in  mind  that  both  common  zinc  and  sulphuric  acid  often  contain 
traces  of  arsenic.* 

Test,  for  Arsenic  in  Minerals  containing  no  Sulphur,  as 
Whitneyite  (CugAs). 

Having  lately  had  occasion  to  examine  a  mineral  new  to  me, 
and  of  unknown  composition,  made  up  of  small,  angular  gra- 
nules, having  a  submetallic  lustre,  and  a  yellowish-brown  color, 
soluble  in  nitric  acid,  and  free  from  sulphur,  but  containing 
copper,  I  proceeded  to  test  for  arsenic  in  the  usual  way,  includ- 
ing Marsh's  test,  but  without  success.  I  found  the  following 
simple  process  the  most  accurate  and  delicate :|  The  mineral 
powder  is  placed  in  a  large  test-tube  or  small  flask,  treated 
with  pure  zinc  and  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  and  a  piece  of  filter- 
ing paper,  moistened  with  nitrate  of  silver  solution,  tied  over 
the  mouth.  If  arsenic  be  present,  arsenious  hydride  (AsH3)  is 
evolved  which,  acting  upon  the  nitrate  of  silver,  will  in  a  short 
time  blacken  it,  more  especially  after  some  standing. 

Should  sulphur  be  present  in  a  mineral  the  interference  of 
H2S  thus  formed  may  be  avoided  by  causing  the  gas  to  pass 
through  cotton-wool  moistened  with  a  solution  of  lead  acetate, 
and  carefully  placed  within  so  as  to  fill  the  neck  of  the  flask, 
then  left  standing  for  several  hours.  This  operation  may  be 
perfectly  relied  upon  for  negative  results,  and  is  well  suited  for 
testing  preliminarily  the  purity  of  the  reagents  employed,  viz., 
zinc  and  sulphuric  acid. 

*  Where  the  amount  of  arsenic  present  is  small,  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  take  advantage  of  the  effects  of  heat,  and  cause  the  gas  to 
pass  slowly  through  a  red-hot  tube,  until  all  the  zinc  is  dissolved. 
The  reduced  arsenic  will  be  deposited  on  the  cool  part  of  the  tube  just 
beyond  the  heated  portion.  In  all  cases  in  using  the  above  test,  it  is 
necessary  to  ascertain  the  purity  of  the  zinc  and  acid  by  trial,  previ- 
ous to  the  addition  of  the  suspected  liquid. 

f  Qualitative  Chemical  Analysis,  by  Drs.  S.  H.  Douglas  and  A.  B. 
Prescott.  New  York,  D.  Van  Nostrand,  1880,  p.  117. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS. 


149 


Arsenious  and  arsenic  acids,  and  their  salts,  as  well  as  the 
sulphides  of  arsenic,  are  examined  by  pulverizing  and  placing 
them  in  a  glass  bulb,  covering  them  with  six  times  their  weight 
of  a  dry  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  cyanide  of  potassium  and 
carbonate  of  soda.  The  mass  is  next  gently  heated,  and  the 
moisture,  if  any  be  present,  removed  by  inserting  a  piece  of 
bibulous  paper.  The  operation  is  repeated  until  the  mixture 
is  perfectly  dry.  Finally,  the  bulb  is  strongly  heated  over  an 
alcohol  lamp,  or  by  the  blowpipe  flame,  when  a  mirror  metallic 
arsenic  deposits  in  the  cool  part  of  the  above  tube. 

Very  small  traces  of  arsenious  acid  can  also  be  detected 
according  to  Berzelius  by  introducing  the  assay  into  a  closed 
glass  tube,  drawn  out  to  a  small  diameter  (Fijj;.  116),  and  in- 
serting a  splinter  of  charcoal  above  it  from  a  to  b.  The  char- 


Fig.  116. 


Fig.  117. 


coal  is  first  heated,  and  then  the  assay ;  the  arsenious  acid  is 
reduced  as  it  passes  over  the  hot  charcoal,  and  As  is  deposited 
in  the  form  of  a  metallic  mirror  at  c.  If  the  tube  be  cut  off 
between  the  mirror,  c,  and  the  sealed  end,  a,  the  mirror,  upon 
heating,  gives  off  the  arsenical  odor  of  garlic. 

Arsenic  tubes,  for  the  reduction  of  arsenical  compounds  and 
sublimation  of  arsenic,  should  all  be  made  of  hard  German  or 
Bohemian  glass,  free  from  reducible  metals. 

13* 


150  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

They  are  usually  about  three  inches  long.  Fig.  117  repre- 
sents the  forms  mostly  used  for  this  purpose,  and  which  the 
student  may  readily  prepare  for  himself  from  glass  tubing  of 
suitable  width  with  the  aid  of  the  Bunsen  blast-burner. 

Reinsch's  test  is  founded  upon  the  fact  that  metallic  copper 
reduces  arsenious  acid  from  a  hot  hydrochloric  acid  solution. 

A  bright  slip  of  copper  foil  is  boiled  in  the  liquid  previously 
acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  the  copper  withdraws  the 
arsenic  and  becomes  covered  with  a  white  alloy.  By  heating 
the  metal  in  a  glass  tube  the  arsenic  is  expelled  and  oxidized 
to  arsenious  acid. 

5.  BARYTA — All  salts  of  baryta,  except  silicates  and  phos- 
phates, yield  the  characteristic  yellowish-green  coloration  of 
the  flame,  especially  after  moistening  with   HC1.     Even  the 
insoluble  sulphate    BaS04  (heavy  spar),  obtained  when  any 
soluble  mineral  containing  baryta  is  .dissolved  in  HC1,  and  the 
solution  precipitated  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  causes  the  same 
coloration.     When  observed  through  green  glass  (colored  with 
oxide  of  copper)  the  baryta  flame  appears  bluish-green.     See 
flame  coloration,  page  104. 

Strontia  may  interfere  with  the  baryta  reaction.  The  pre- 
sence of  sulphate  of  baryta  with  the  sulphate  of  strontia  can  be 
detected  by  fusing  the  mixture  with  3  or  4  parts  of  chloride  of 
calcium  in  a  platinum  spoon,  and  boiling  the  fused  mass  with 
water.  If  a  cloudiness  is  produced  by  adding  to  the  clear  dilute 
solution  a  few  drops  of  chromate  of  potassa,  the  presence  of 
baryta  is  indicated.  Strontia  is  only  precipitated  from  the 
concentrated  solution  (Chapman). 

Sulphate  of  baryta  (heavy  spar)  fuses  B.  B.;  the  fused  mass 
reacts  alkaline  with  test-paper ;  on  charcoal  it  is  reduced  to 
sulphide.  With  soda  by  continued  blowing  it  yields  hepar, 
which  placed  on  a  clear  silver  surface,  and  moistened  with  a 
drop  of  water,  yields  black  sulphide  of  silver. 

6.  BISMUTH. — Fuses  and  gives  off  inodorous  fumes.    When 
treated  alone  or  with  soda  in  the  R.  F.  on  charcoal,  it  pro- 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  151 

duces  a  dark-brown  oxide,  which  turns  pale-yellow  on  cooling. 
The  presence  of  other  metals  renders  this  reaction  sometimes 
unsafe,  and  the  wet  way  for  its  detection  is  preferable.  If  a  com- 
pound of  bismuth  be  treated  with  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of 
iodide  of  potassium  and  flowers  of  sulphur,  and  fused  B.  B.  on 
charcoal,  a  beautiful  red  sublimate  of  iodide  of  bismuth  will  be 
deposited  (von  Kobell).  Compounds  containing  lead  treated 
in  the  same  manner  yield  a  yellow  coating  ;  their  presence  does 
not  interfere  with  the  reaction  for  bismuth. 

Bismuth  is  insoluble  in  HC1,  but  easily  soluble  in  nitric  acid 
or  aqua  regia,  forming  a  nitrate  (NO3)3Bi,  or  a  chloride  BiCl3 
also  soluble  in  hot  sulphuric  acid,  producing  a  sulphate  (SO4)3Bi2. 

The  teroxide  of  bismuth,  Bi2O3,  is  formed  by  a  strong  igni- 
tion of  the  metal  in  the  air,  or  by  heating  the  nitrate  salt.  The 
salts  are  colorless  ;  their  solutions,  if  there  is  not  too  much  acid 
present,  are  decomposed  by  water,  and  a  white  basic  salt  is 
precipitated.  The  acid  which  has  been  set  free  always  holds 
some  teroxide  in  solution, 

(N03)3Bi  +  H2O  =  NO3Bi(OH)2  -f  2NO3H. 
The  decomposition  of  the  chloride  is  more  complete, 
BiCla  +  H2O  =  BiOCl  +  2HC1. 

In  examining  small  quantities  of  a  substance  for  minute 
amounts  of  bismuth,  the  HC1  solution  is  evaporated  to  a  few 
drops,  and  these  thrown  in  water.  The  white  precipitate  is 
insoluble  in  tartaric  acid  or  tartrate  of  potassa,  which  dis- 
tinguishes it  from  the  oxide  of  antimony,  which  is  soluble. 
H2S  and  (NH4)2S  precipitate  brown  sulphide,  (B52S3),  insoluble 
in  an  excess  of  sulphide  of  ammonium.  Ammonia  and  caustic 
alkali  throw  down  white  hydroxide,  BiO.(OH),  insoluble  in  an 
excess.  Chromate  of  potassium  throws  down  yellow  chromate 
of  bismuth.  If  into  a  clear  solution  of  stannous  chloride  in  an 
excess  of  potassa  we  drop  a  solution  of  a  bismuth  salt,  a  black 
precipitate  falls  which  is  bismuth  monoxide,  BiO. 

7.  BORIC  (boracic)  ACID  is  recognized  by  the  intense  green 
color  it  or  its  compounds,  especially  silicates,  impart  to  the 


152  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

flame  at  the  instant  of  fusion,  when  melted  with  three  parts  of 
the  flux,  called  "  Turner's  reagent"  (a  mixture  of  two  parts  of 
fluor-spar  and  one  of  bisulphate  of  potassium).  The  trial  should 
be  made  in  a  dark  place. 

Borate  of  sodium  alone  tinges  the  flame  pure  yellow,  but  if  it 
be  moistened  with  H2SO4,  boric  acid  is  set  free,  tinging  its  mix- 
ture with  alcohol,  when  ignited,  lively  green. 

Another  very  delicate  and  reliable  reaction  is  that  of  lies. 
The  finely  pulverized  mineral  is  moistened  with  H2S04  on 
platinum  foil,  the  excess  of  acid  evaporated  at  a  gentle  heat, 
and  the  residue  worked  into  a  paste  with  glycerine,  which, 
when  brought  on  a  platinum  wire  into  the  flame  colors  it  yellow- 
ish-green. Compounds  of  boric  acid  with  an  alkali,  or  an 
alkaline  earth,  are  tested  with  turmeric  paper  as  follows  :  The 
compound  is  dissolved  in  dilute  HC1  (till  blue  litmus  is  reddened 
by  it);  a  strip  of  turmeric  paper  is  then  half  immersed  in  the 
solution  for  some  time,  and  then  dried  in  a  watch-glass  at  a 
gentle  heat  (not  over  100°  C.  or  212°  F.).  If  boric  acid  is 
present,  the  immersed  portion  of  the  paper  assumes  a  brown- 
ish-red color*  (Rose). 

If  this  brownish-red  turmeric  paper  is  treated  with  some 
alkali  or  alkaline  carbonate,  it  turns  to  a  bluish  or  greenish- 
black  ;  hydrochloric  acid  restores  the  original  color. 

If  alcohol  is  poured  over  a  borate  with  the  addition  of  a  suf- 
ficient quantity  of  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  to  liberate  the 
boric  acid,  and  the  alcohol  be  kindled,  the  flame  appears  dis- 
tinctly green,  especially  upon  stirring  with  a  glass  rod  and  after 
heating  the  alcoholic  mixture. 

Bromine — When  bromides  are  added  to  a  bead  of  S.  Ph., 
which  has  previously  been  saturated  with  oxide  of  copper,  and 
is  exposed,  B.  B.,  to  the  point  of  the  blue  flame,  the  bead  is 
surrounded  with  a  beautiful  greenish-blue  color  on  the  edges. 
(Chlorine  acts,  however,  similarly.) 

*  This  color  must  not  be  mistaken  for  the  blackish-brown  shade 
produced  by  concentrated  HC1. 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  153 

If  a  bromide  is  fused  in  a  mattrass  with  bisulpliate  of  potas- 
sium, red  bromine  vapor  is  set  free,  which  may  also  be  recog- 
nized by  its  characteristic  odor.  (Berzelius.)  If  moistened 
starch-paper  is  exposed  to  this  vapor  yellow  bromide  of  starch 
is  formed. 

The  method  proposed  by  Goldschmidt  for  the  detection  of  a 
bromine  compound  alone,  or  in  the  presence  of  iodine  and 
chlorine,  is  as  follows :  If  a  bromine  compound  is  fused  in  mi 
open  glass  tube  with  pulverized  bismuth  sulphide  (made  by 
fusing  metallic  bismuth  with  sulphur),  a  yellow  sublimate  is 
formed.  An  iodine  compound  treated  in  the  same  way  forms 
a  red  sublimate  and  a  chlorine  compound  a  white  one.  With 
a  little  care  these  elements  can  be  readily  recognized  in  the 
presence  of  one  another. 

8.  CADMIUM The  pulverized  substance  for  examination  is 

heated  B.  B.  in  the  R.  F.  on  charcoal  whereby  the  metal  is 
oxidized  to  a  reddish-yellow  oxide,  which  being  volatile  coats 
the  coal  reddish -yellow. 

To  detect  a  minute  quantity  of  cadmium  (one  per  cent,  or 
even  less,  found  in  zinc  or  its  ores),  the  assay  powder  is  mixed 
with  soda  and  heated  B.  B.  in  the  R.  F.  on  charcoal  for  a 
short  time,  when  the  latter  is  coated  near  the  assay  with  red- 
dish-brown oxide  of  cadmium.  The  zinc  being  less  volatile 
forms  a  white  coating  only  after  continued  blowing. 

Caustic  potash  throws  down  from  solutions  of  cadmium  salts 
a  white  precipitate  of  hydrated  oxide,  Cd(HO)2,  insoluble  in 
an  excess. 

Alkaline  carbonates,  also  carbonate  of  ammonium,  throw  down 
the  white  carbonate  of  cadmium  CO3Cd,  not  soluble  in  excess. 
In  the  presence  of  free  ammonia  no  precipitate  takes  place. 
Cyanide  of  potassium  dissolves  the  precipitate  and  gives  with 
salts  of  cadmium  a  white'  precipitate  soluble  in  an  excess, 
whereby  a  double  salt  (K2CdCy4)  is  formed,  from  which  sul- 
phydric  acid  precipitates  yellow  sulphide  of  cadmium. 

Sulphydricacid  and  sulphide  of  ammonium  precipitate  yellow 
sulphide  of  cadmium  from  saline  solutions,  easily  soluble  in 


154  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

acids.  An  acid  solution,  therefore,  must  be  strongly  diluted 
before  it  is  acted  upon  by  H2S.  Sulphide  of  cadmium  is  inso- 
luble in  cyanide  of  potassium,  while  sulphide  of  copper  is  solu- 
ble. Hence,  in  order  to  separate  these  two  metals,  qualitatively 
as  well  as  quantitatively,  their  solution  is  precipitated  by  KCy, 
and  redissolved  in  an  excess  of  the  reagent.  By  conducting 
a  current  of  H2S  into  their  joint  solution  yellow  sulphide  of 
cadmium  falls  while  the  copper  remains  in  solution,  and  can 
only  be  recovered  by  decomposition  of  the  cyanide  of  copper 
by  means  of  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  added  until  no  longer 
any  hydrocyanic  acid  escapes.  From  the  resulting  solution  of 
sulphate  of  copper,  black  oxide  of  copper  is  precipitated  by 
caustic  potash  at  a  boiling  heat. 

9.  CARBON — It  is  found  in  a  free  state  and  crystallized  in 
the  form  of  diamond  and  graphite.  In  the  ordinary  stonecoal, 
in  anthracite,  soot,  etc.,  the  carbon  is  amorphous;  with  oxygen 
it  forms  mainly  two  compounds  which  we  shall  briefly  consider. 

1.  Carbon  monoxide  (Carbonic  Oxide),  CO — A  colorless 
gas,  burning  in  the  air  with  a  blue  characteristic  flame  to  car- 
bonic acid,  CO2.  It  is  a  poisonous  gas  resulting  from  incom- 
plete combustion.  We  obtain  it  by  conducting  carbonic  acid 
(CO2)  over  ignited  coal,  and  by  the  ignition  of  many  organic 
compounds,  e.  g. :  1,  oxalic  acid  ;  2,  ferrocyanide  of  potassium, 
with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid — 

1.  C2H204  +  S04H2  =  S04H2  -f  HfO  +m  CO,  +  CO. 

2.  Fe(CN)2  +  K4(CN)4  +  6SO4H2  +  6H2O  =  2SO4K2  + 

S04Fe  +  3[S04(NH4)J  +  6CO. 

It  combines  in  direct  sunlight  with  chlorine  at  a  common 
temperature  to  a  compound,  COC12,  having  a  characteristic 
suffocating  odor. 

Most  organic  acids,  except  oxalic  and  formic  acids,  leave, 
after  ignition,  carbon  behind. 

CO  gas  is  very  slightly  soluble  in  water,  but  is  readily  ab- 
sorbed in  a  solution  of  cuprous  chloride  in  hydrochloric  acid. 
A  loose  compound,  Cu2Cl2,  CO-p2H2O,  is  formed,  which  by 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  155 

boiling,  indeed  by  mere  dilution  with  water,  is  decomposed, 
and  CO  set  free. 

Carbonic  Dioxide  (Carbonic  Acid)  CO2 — It  is  soluble  in 
water,  the  solution  turning  blue  litmus  paper  to  a  dark  red. 

Carbonic  dioxide  renders  a  solution  of  caustic  lime  turbid, 
forming  insoluble  carbonate  of  lime,  and  yields  no  hydrate.  It  is 
a  feeble  acid,  and  many  metals  like  aluminium,  etc.,  form  mono- 
carbonates.  Only  the  carbonates  of  the  alkalies  are  soluble  in 
water. 

Fused  with  saltpetre  carbon  detonates,  carbonate  of  potassium 
being  thereby  produced.  Carbonates  effervesce  when  treated 
with  a  drop  or  two  of  dilute  hydrochloric  acid,  etc. ;  a  few 
kinds  require  previous  pulverization,  and  in  some  cases  even 
heat  must  be  applied  before  effervescence  takes  place. 

Some  carbonates  (lime,  etc.)  lose  their  carbonic  acid  by 
simple  heating  in  the  closed  tube. 

10.  CERIUM  is  found  in  the  mineral  cerite  (Ce,LaDi)2SiO4 
-|-Ag.  The  mineral  may  be  decomposed  by  hydrochloric  acid, 
aqua  regia,  and  sulphuric  acid,  but  more  completely  by  fusion 
with  carbonate  of  soda.  If  the  finely-powdered  mineral  be 
heated  along  with  sulphuric  acid,  a  few  drops  of  nitric  acid 
being  added,  and  then  cold  water  be  poured  on  it,  the  sulphate 
of  the  above  oxides  of  cerite  will  be  dissolved  out  and  the 
silicic  acid  be  left  behind.  A  hot  saturated  solution  of  sulphate 
of  potassium  in  a  moderately  dilute  solution  of  cerite  precipitates 
the  three  oxides  as  double  salts,  which,  after  being  washed 
with  a  saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  potassium,  and  dissolved 
in  boiling  water  containing  some  Hydrochloric  acid,  are  precipi- 
tated while  warm  by  excess  of  potassa.  Cold  and  very  dilute 
nitric  acid  extracts  the  oxide  of  lanthanium  as  the  nitrate  from 
the  brown  mixture  of. these  oxides  (freed  from  sulphuric  acid), 
which,  after  its  precipitation  by  carbonate  of  ammonium  and 
its  ignition,  is  white. 

By  repeated  treatment  of  the  mixture  of  these  oxides  with 
strong  potassa  lye  and  chlorine  gas  the  cerium  passes  into 
yellow  insoluble  proto-sesquioxide,  Ce3O4,  while  lanthanium 


156  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

and  didymium  remain  in  solution  as  chlorides.  Metallic  Ce,La, 
and  Di  are  obtained  by  reducing  the  chlorides  with  sodium  in 
the  form  of  gray  powders,  which  decomposes  water  at  a  common 
temperature,  dissolve  in  dilute  acids  with  evolution  of  hydrogen. 

The  protoxide  of  cerium  (CeO)  is  bluish-gray,  the  hydroxide, 
Ce(OH)a,  colorless.  The  former  quickly  passes,  on  ignition, 
into  Ce3O4,  which  is  yellowish- white,  and  when  heated  orange- 
yellow.  It  is  soluble  in  sulphuric  (but  not  in  hydrochloric  and 
nitric  acid)  with  a  yellow  color.  Ceroxide,  Ce203,  is  reddish- 
yellow,  soluble  in  hot  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  with  a  yellow 
color ;  decomposable  by  concentrated  HC1,  with  addition  of 
alcohol  with  production  of  chloride. 

11.  CHLORINE — Chlorides  like  bromides  may  be  detected, 
B.  B.,  by  adding  a  small  portion  of  them  to  a  bead  of  S.  Ph., 
which  has  previously  been  saturated  with  oxide  of  copper;  the 
bead  is  at  once  surrounded  with  an  intensely  blue  flame  without 
the  green  tinge  observed  with  bromides.  The  presence  of 
chlorine  may  also  be  detected  by  the  blue  color  which  it  causes 
on  a  paper  moistened  with  a  solution  of  potassium  iodide  and 
starch  paste.  An  excess  of  chlorine  removes  the  color  again. 
Bromine,  ozone,  nitrous  fumes,  etc.,  produce,  however,  the 
same  effect. 

If  a  metallic  chloride  is  mixed  with  solid  potassium  dichro- 
mate  and  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  in  a  small  glass  vial  a 
bright  brownish-red  gas  of  chloro-chrornic  acid  is  given  off, 
condensing  to  drops  of  a  like  color.  Ammonia  turns  them 
yellow. 

Soluble  chlorides  placed  upon  a  piece  of  clean  silver,  along 
with  a  fragment  of  sulphate  of  copper  or  sulphate  of  iron,  pro- 
duce at  once  a  black  stain  on  the  silver.  Insoluble  chlorides 
must  previously  be  melted,  together  with  soda,  on  a  platinum 
wire  to  produce  this  reaction.  Bromides  yield  the  same  re- 
action. 

Nitrate  of  silver  produces,  even  in  very  dilute  solutions  of 
hydrochloric  acid  or  metallic  chlorides,  a  white  curdy  precipi- 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  1;>7 

tate  of  'chloride  of  silver,  turning  dark  when  exposed  to  sun- 
light. 

12.  CHROMIUM  (B.  B.). — Chromic  oxide  and  chromic  salts 
dissolve  in  beads  of  S.  Ph.  and  of  Bx.,  in  both  the  O.  F.  and 
R.  F.,  with  a  yellowish-green  tint  while  hot,  becoming  emerald- 
green  when  cold.  Chromium  must  not  be  confounded  with 
vanadium,  which  gives  the  same  reactions  in  the  R.  F.,  but 
differs  by  yielding  a  yellow  bead  with  S.  Ph.  in  the  O.  F. 

Minerals  containing  but  little  oxide  of  chromium,  associated 
with  other  metals  (Fe,  Cu,  etc.)  which  color  the  fluxes,  are 
best  treated  by  fusing  on  platinum  wire,  or  in  a  platinum  spoon, 
with  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  soda  and  nitre  in  the  O.  F., 
whereby  red  chromic  acid  is  formed.  The  fused  mass  is  dis- 
solved in  water,  and  the  solution  poured  off  from  the  residue ; 
to  this  solution  a  few  drops  of  acetic  acid,  and,  afterwards,  a 
crystal  of  acetate  of  lead  (sugar  of  lead),  are  added,  when  an 
orange-colored  precipitate  of  chromate  of  lead  is  formed.  This 
may  be  collected  on  a  filter,  washed,  and  tested  with  Bx.  and 
S.  Ph.  A  silicate  which  contains  a  small  trace  of  chromium 
besides  iron,  and  is  not  decomposed  by  nitre,  is  fused  upon 
charcoal  in  the  O.  F.  with  one  part  of  soda  and  one-half  part 
of  borax  to  a  clear  bead;  this  is  pulverized,  dissolved  in  HC1, 
evaporated  to  dryness,  and  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  resi- 
due of  SiO2  filtered  off;  the  protochloride  of  iron  is  changed 
to  sesquichloride  by  boiling  with  a  few  drops  of  nitric  acid, 
and  the  chromium,  alumina,  iron,  etc.,  precipitated  with  am- 
monia. The  precipitate  is  filtered  off,  washed,  and  tested  as 
above. 

The  sesquioxide  of  chromium,  Cr2O3,  is  a  green  powder  in 
water,  and,  after  ignition,  insoluble  in  acids.  The  chromates 
are  green  or  violet,  partly  soluble  in  water,  partly  only  in  acids. 
Ammonia  produces  a  bluisli-green  or  greenish-gray  hydrate 
(chrornhydroxide),  Cr2(OII)6,  which  is  partly  soluble  in  excess 
of  the  reagent,  giving  a  reddish  solution. 

Caustic  potassa  or  soda  likewise  precipitates  the  hydrated 
sesquioxide,  readily  soluble  in  an  excess,  furnishing  a  green 
14 


o  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

color.  If  this  alkaline  solution  is  boiled  for  some  time  the 
sesquioxide  is  reprecipitated,  and  the  supernatant  liquid  be- 
comes colorless. 

Alkaline  carbonates  as  well  as  sulphide  of  ammonium  throw 
down  also  hydroxide  or  a  basic  salt.  In  the  presence  of  mag- 
nesia, zinc,  or  lead  salts,  the  precipitate  with  alkalies  has  the 
formula  MO,O2O3. 

If  the  green  solution  of  Cr2O3  in  caustic  alkali  is  boiled  with 
some  peroxide  of  lead,  chromic  acid,  Cr03,  is  formed  and  turns 
yellow,  and  the  filtrate  when  acidulated  with  acetic  acid  or 
neutralized  with  nitric  acid  separates  yellow  chromate  of  lead. 

The  Cr2O3,  insoluble  in  acid,  becomes  soluble  by  fusion  with 
bisulphate  of  potassium  ;  by  fusion  with  carbonate  and  nitrate  of 
an  alkali  mixed  together  it  becomes  converted  into  a  soluble 
chromate  of  alkali.  This  deportment  is  made  use  of  in  search- 
ing for  the  Cr2O3in  insoluble  compounds,  and  for  its  separation 
from  oxides  like  magnesia,  alumina,  and  sesquioxide  of  iron, 
which,  undergoing  no  further  oxidation,  remain  undissolved  in 
the  alkaline  liquid. 

Chromic  acid,  CrO3,  is  known  only  as  an  anhydride,  forming 
scarlet-red,  deliquescent  crystals.  Its  salts  are  red,  like,  for 
instance,  the  acid  potassium  salt,  Cr2O7K2,  or  yellow,  like  the 
neutral  potassium  salt,  CrO4K2.  The  alkaline  salts  and  those  of 
the  alkaline  earths  are  both  soluble  in  water ;  nearly  all  the 
other  salts  are  either  insoluble,  or  with  difficulty  soluble,  in 
water. 

Chloride  of  barium  precipitates  from  soluble  chromates  yel- 
low CrO4Ba ;  lead  salts  throw  down  a  yellow  precipitate, 
CrO4Pb  ;  salts  of  bismuth  produce  a  yellow,  nitrate  of  silver  a 
purple-red,  and  mercurous  salts  a  brick-red  precipitate.  All 
these  precipitates  are  soluble  in  nitric  acid  except  chromate  of 
lead,  which  is  soluble  in  potassa,  and  can  be  thrown  again  by 
acids. 

Chromic  acid  is  reduced  to  green  sesquioxide  by  H2S,SO.2, 
by  alcohol  and  sugar  (in  the  presence  of  a  free  acid),  by  oxalic 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  159 

and  tartaric  acid,  and  by  any  metal  which  (like  zinc)  disen- 
gages hydrogen. 

13.  COBALT  may  generally  be  recognized  B.  B.  by  the  blue 
bead  it  affords  with  Bx.  and  S.  Ph.  in  both  flames.  This  color 
will,  however,  be  modified  by  the  presence  of  other  metals. 
Thus,  if  iron  be  present  the  bead  will  appear  green  while 
hot,  and  blue  when  cold.  The  sulphurets  should  be  roasted  on 
Ch.  before  testing  for  cobalt  with  Bx.  on  Ch. 

Cobalt  forms  two  well-marked  oxides,  both 'of  which  repre- 
sent bases  in  corresponding  classes  of  salts  :  cobaltous  and 
cobaltic  salts. 

Cobaltus  oxide  (protoxide),  CoO,  is  an  olive-green  powder, or, 
when  in  the  condition  of  a  hydrate,  Co(HO)2,  rose-red ;  its 
salts  are  generally  blue  when  anhydrous,  or  in  solutions  con- 
taining free  concentrated  acids,  through  their  aqueous  solutions 
are  pink. 

H2S  and  (NH4)2S  precipitate  black  CoS,  quite  insoluble  in 
(NH4)2S  ;  once  formed  it  is  with  great  difficulty  soluble  in 
dilute  nitric,  sulphuric,  and  acetic  acid.  A  solution  of  a  salt 
of  cobalt  when  previously  mixed  with  some  acetate  of  sodium 
and  warmed,  is  more  readily  and  completely  precipitated  by 
H2S  than  a  salt  of  nickel  under  like  circumstances  (separation 
of  Co  and  nickel  from  manganese). 

Ammonia  produces,  in  acid  solutions  of  cobaltous  salts,  or  in 
solutions  containing  ammonia  salts,  only  a  red  color,  which' 
soon  passes  into  brown.  Caustic  potash  throws  down  all  the 
cobalt  as  a  blue  basic  salt,  which,  by  exclusion  of  air  (and 
quickly  by  heating),  passes  into  rose-red  cobaltous  hydroxide, 
Co(()H)2,  and  this  in  the  air  turns  to  olive-green  cobaltous 
cobaltic  hydrate. 

Alkaline  carbonates  precipitate  peach-blossom  red  basic  car- 
bonate, which  is  readily  soluble  in  excess  of  carbonate  of  am- 
monium, retaining  the  same  color,  but  only  slightly  soluble  in 
the  carbonate  of  sodium  and  potassa.  Ferrocyanide  of  potas- 
sium produces  a  green  ;  ferricyanide  of  potassium  a  brownish- 
red  precipitate.  If  to  a  neutral  solution  of  a  cobaltous  salt,  we 


100  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED.' 

add  nitrite  of  potassium  in  excess;  and  next,  acetic  or  dilute 
nitric  acid,  a  yellow,  crystalline  precipitate,  (N02)3Co-f  3NO2K, 
is  thrown  down,  containing  nearly  all  the  cobalt.  The  precipi- 
tate is  with  difficulty  soluble  in  cold  water ;  insoluble  in  potas- 
sium salts  and  in  alcohol  of  80  per  cent. 

Cobaltic  oxide,  peroxide  of  cobalt,  Co2O3.  It  yields  salts, 
while  the  corresponding  NiO3  cannot  form  any,  and  attempts 
to  produce  them  yield  protoxide  salts. 

To  detect  nickel  together  with  cobalt  we  proceed  thus  :  The 
solution,  which  must  only  contain  these  two  metals  (and  be 
free  from  manganese  for  instance)  is  feebly  acidulated  with 
IIC1,  cyanide  of  potassium  added  in  excess,  and  heated  to  boil- 
ing; if  now,  upon  addition  of  dilute  II Cl  or  H2S04,  a  precipitate 
follows,  nickel  is  present. 

14.  COLUMBIUM,   Cb,  or   NIOBIUM,   Nb Marignac    has 

shown  that  nearly  all  tantalites  and  .colurnbites  contain  both 
tantalum  and    columbium.       To   obtain    free    columbic   acid, 
Cb2O5,  and  tantalic  acid,  Ta2O5,  the    powdered  minerals  are 
fused  with  six  parts  of  bisulphate  of  potassium  until  completely 
dissolved.     The  fused  mass  is  treated  with  hot  water,  when 
both  acids  remain  behind,  while  the  bases  and  titanic  acid, 
if  present,  will  be  dissolved,  and  can  thus  be  separated.     The 
residue  is  washed  with  ammonia  and  sulphide  of  ammonium 
to  remove  tungstic  acid  and  oxide  of  tin,  while  hydrochloric 
acid  dissolves  iron.     The  filtered  and  thoroughly  washed  resi- 
due is  now  treated  with  either  HC1  or  H2SO4  in  a  porcelain 
dish,  and  metallic  zinc  added.     If  a  tantalate  alone  be  present, 
no  coloration  or  but  a  slight  one  ensues.     A  columbate  thus 
treated  assumes  a  blue  color,  which  gradually  fades  and  finally 
turns  brown. 

15.  COPPER — It  is  easily  detected  by  the  green  color  which 
most  copper  compounds  impart  to  the  B.  B.  flame.     The  pro- 
duction of  a  red  bead   with  salt  of  phosphorus  in  R.   F.  is 
rendered  more  certain  by  the  treatment  of  the  bead  on  charcoal 
with  a  small  amount  of  tinfoil. 

Copper  may  also  be  detected  by  saturating  a  salt  of  phosphor- 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  161 

ous  bead  with  the  substance  containing  it,  and  adding  common 
kitchen  salt  (NaCl),  when  the  bead  will  color  the  flame  beauti- 
fully blue,  owing  to  the  formation  of  chloride  of  copper. 

Many  minerals  give  this  reaction  by  simply  moistening  with 
HC1,  and  exposing  them  in  the  platinum  forceps  to  the  flame. 
Silicates  should  first  be  pulverized,  moistened  with  HC1,  and 
evaporated  to  dryness  in  a  porcelain  capsule,  then  made  into  a 
paste  with  water,  and  heated  on  platinum  wire,  when  the  green 
color  is  imparted  to  the  R.  F.  Sulphurets  of  copper  are  first 
roasted  on  coal  and  then  examined  with  salt  of  phosphorus. 
Hot  sulphuric  acid  dissolves  copper  with  evolution  of  SO3 ; 
nitric  acid  with  evolution  of  NO. 

1.  Cu  +  2SO4H3=zSO4Cu  +  2H2O  +  S03. 

2.  Cu3  +  8N03H  =  :3(N03)2Cu  +  4H2O  +  2NO. 
Cuprous  oxide,   Cu2O,  is  red  when   anhydrous,  orange  as 

hydroxide,  Cu2(OH)2.  It  is  formed  by  ignition  of  cupric 
Oxide,  CuO,  with  metallic  copper,  or  from  the  cupric  oxide 
salts,  by  the  reducing  action  of  sugar,  arsenious  acid,  etc.,  in  the 
presence  of  free  alkali.  With  sulphuric  acid  it  is  decomposed 
into  metallic  copper  and  cupric  sulphate.  HC1  forms  white  cu- 
prous chloride,  Cu2Cl2,  little  soluble  in  water,  but  readily  soluble 
in  HC1.  Its  nearly  colorless  solutions,  in  acids  and  in  ammo- 
nia, turn,  in  the  air,  rapidly  into  blue  or  green  cupric  compounds. 

Cupric  oxide,  CuO,  is  black  when  anhydrous,  greenish- blue 
as  hydroxide,  Cu(OH)2,  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  nearly 
all  acids.  Its  anhydrous  salts  are  nearly  white,  the  hydrates 
green  or  blue.  H2S  and  (NHJ2S  precipitate  from  solutions 
black  sulphide  of  copper,  soluble  in  cyanide  of  potassium. 
Caustic  potassa  in  the  cold  throws  down  greenish-blue  hydroxide, 
at  a  boiling  heat,  black  oxide.  Ammonia  precipitates  at  first 
a  green  basic  salt,  next  blue  hydroxide,  which,  with  an  excess 
of  the  precipitant,  form  a  beautiful  azure  blue  solution.  Iodide 
of  potassium  precipitates,  in  the  presence  of  SO3,  or  ferrous 
oxide,  salts,  all  the  copper  as  white  Cu2I3,  soluble  in  hyposul- 
phite of  soda,  and  in  ammonia  in  the  air. 

Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  precipitates  brownish-red  ferro- 

14* 


162  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

cyanide  of  copper,  FeCy2  -f  2CuCy2,  insoluble  in  HC1,  soluble 
in  NH3.  Iron  and  zinc  precipitate  in  solutions,  acidulated 
•with  HC1,  metallic 'copper.  If  a  solution  of  copper  is  put  into 
a  platinum  dish,  a  little  HC1  and  a  piece  of  zinc  added,  red 
metallic  copper  is  thrown  down,  visible  even  in  a  state  of  great 
dilution.  Nitric  acid  is  the  best  solvent  of  the  metal  or  its 
compounds,  a  cupric  nitrate,  (NO3)2Cu,  being  formed.  The 
solution  in  hot  sulphuric  acid  contains  SO4Cu,  that  in  aqua 
regia  CuCl2.  Oxide  of  copper,  CuO,  is  black  when  anhydrous, 
as  a  hydroxide,  Cu(OH)2,  greenish-blue,  both  insoluble  in 
water,  but  soluble  in  nearly  all  acids.  The  anhydrous  salts 
are  almost  all  white,  as  hydrates,  green  or  blue.  Hydrosul- 
phuric  acid  and  sulphide  of  ammonium  precipitate  from  solu- 
tions black  sulphide  of  copper,  CuS,  easily  oxidizing  in  the 
air,  soluble  in  KCy,  insoluble  in  HC1.  Caustic  potash  throws 
down  in  the  cold  a  greenish-blue  hydroxide,  Cu(OH)2,  and  at 
a  boiling  heat  black  oxide  (CuO)  ;  ammonia  throws  down  at 
first  a  greenish  basic  salt,  then  the  blue  hydrate,  which  is 
soluble  in  excess  of  the  reagent,  giving  a  beautiful  azure  blue, 
perceptible  even  in  highly  diluted  solutions.  Carbonate  of 
ammonium  acts  similarly.  Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  pre- 
cipitates in  very  dilute  solutions  brownish-red  ferrocyanide  of 
copper,  FeCy2  +  2CuCy2,  insoluble  in  HC1,  soluble  in  NH3. 
Iron  and  zinc  precipitate  from  solutions  containing  some  free 
HC1,  metallic  copper. 

16.  DIDYMIUM,  Di — It  is  trivalent.  Sesquioxide  of  didy- 
mium,  Di2O3.  Didymium  chloride,  DiCl3.  Didymium  hy- 
droxide, Di(OH)3  or  Di2(OH)6.  Potassium  hydrate,  or  sodium 
hydrate,  throws  down,  from  solution  of  the  salts,  a  white  bulky 
precipitate  of  Di(OH)3,  not  soluble  in  an  excess.  Ammonia 
shows  the  same  behavior,  but  the  precipitate  is  soluble  in  a 
hot  solution  of  sal  ammoniac,  B.  B.  With  borax  the  sesqui- 
oxide  yields  in  both  flames  a  colorless,  in  large  quantities  an 
amethyst  colored  glass.  Phosphorus  salt  dissolves  it  in  the 
R.  Fl.  to  an  amethystine  colored  rather  violet  bead.  Carbon- 
ate of  sodium  yields  in  the  O.  Fl.  a  grayish  colored  mass  (dis- 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  163 

tinction  from  manganese).     Didymium  is  found  in  the  minerals 
cerite,  monazite,  gadolinite,  fluocerite,  orthite,  euxenite,  etc. 

Solutions  of  didymium  salts  exhibit  a  well-marked  absorption' 
spectrum,  containing  two  black  lines,  inclosing  a  very  bright 
space.  One  of  these  black  lines  is  in  the  yellow,  immediately 
following  Frauenhofer's  line  "  D,"  the  other  is  situated  between 
"  E"  and  b.  These  characters  can  be  distinctly  recognized  in 
a  solution  half  an  inch  deep,  containing  only  0.01  per  cent,  of 
didymium  salt.  Lanthanium  salts  do  not  exhibit  an  absorption- 
spectrum. 

17.  ERBIUM — Its    oxide,    EbO,    obtained    by    ignition    of 
erbium  nitrate  or  oxalate,  has  a  faint  rose  color.     It  does  not 
melt  at  the  strongest  white  heat,  but  aggregates  to  a  spongy 
mass  glowing  with  an  intense  green  light,  which,  when  ex- 
amined by  the  spectroscope,  exhibits  a  continuous  spectrum 
intersected  by  a  number  of  bright  bands.     Solutions  of  erbium 
salts,  on  the  other  hand,  give  an  absorption-spectrum,  exhibit- 
ing dark  bands,  and  the  points  of  maximum  intensity  of  the 
light  bands  in  the  emission-spectrum  coincide  exactly  in  posi- 
tion with  the  lines  of  greatest  darkness  in  the  absorption-spec- 
trum.    The  position   of  these  bands  is  totally  different  from 
those    in    the  emission   and   absorption-spectra  of  didymium 
(Bahr  and  Bunsen). 

18.  FLUORINE — When  fluorides  are  heated  in  a  glass  tube 
with  4  parts  of  bisulphate  of  potassium,  hydrofluoric  acid  is  given 
off.     This  imparts  to  red   Brazil-wood  paper  a  straw-yellow 
color,  and  etches  the  tube  immediately  above  the  assay,  espe- 
cially visible  after  the  cleansing  and  drying  of  the  tnbe. 

The  best  method  for  the  detection  of  fluorine,  even  when 
present  in  minute  quantities,  is  to  heat  the  assay  with  previ- 
ously fused  salt  of  phosphorus  (both  finely  pulverized)  in  an 
open  glass  tube  in  such  a  manner  that  the  flame  passes  into  the 
end  of  the  tube.  This  latter  is  thereby  rendered  opaque  where 
the  hydrofluoric  acid  formed  is  condensed.  This  acid  is  further 
recognized  by  its  pungent  odor  and  its  action  on  Brazil-wood 
paper,  ?".  ?.,  coloring  it  straw-yellow. 


164  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

19.  FLUORINE.* — Hydrofluoric  acid,  HF1,  and  fluorides. 
Cone.  HF1  gives  off  fumes  in  the  air  which  are  greedily  ab- 
sorbed by  water.     The  aqueous  solution  dissolves  many  metals 
and  metallic  oxides,  forming  fluorides.    Gold  and  platinum  are 
not  attacked,  lead  with  difficulty.     HF1  has  the  distinguishing 
property  of  dissolving  silica  or  silicates -not  affected  by  otheracids 
with  great  facility,  forming  SiFl4.    Upon  this  property  depends 
the  decomposition  of  silicates,  the  etching  of  glass,  and  its  de- 
tection.    All  metallic  fluorides  are  decomposed  by  cone,  sul- 
phuric acid  with  evolution  of  hydrofluoric  acid,  e.  g.,  CaFla-f- 
SO4H2  =  SO4Ca  +  2HF1.    Hydrofluoric  acid  imparts  to  Brazil- 
wood paper  a  straw-yellow  color.     Silicates  containing  even  a 
small  quantity  of  fluorine,  when  heated  in  the  closed  tube,  give 
off  hydrofluosilicic  acid ;  this  is  decomposed  into  silicic  acid, 
which  is  separated  near  the  assay,  and  hydrofluoric  acid,  which 
passes  off';  but  the  latter  may  be  detected  by  inserting  a  strip 
of  moistened  Brazil-wood  paper  as  just  mentioned. 

When  fluorides  are  heated  in  a  glass  tube  with  bisulphate  of 
potash,  hydrofluoric  acid  is  given  off.  This  etches  the  tube 
immediately  above  the  assay,  and  gives  the  reaction  with  Brazil- 
wood paper. 

20.  GLUCINA — (Beryllia,  oxide  of  beryllium),  BeO,  is  found 
in  a  few  minerals,  viz.,  phenakite,  beryl,  euclase.     It  gives  no 
characteristic  reaction  B.  B.     With  borax  on  platinum  wire  it 
is  soluble  in  large  quantities  in  a  clear  glass,  that  becomes 
milk-white  by  flaming,  or  when  saturated  by  simple  cooling. 
With  salt  of  phosphorus  it  behaves  as  with  borax.    With  solu- 
tion of  cobalt  in  O.  F.  it  acquires  a  pale  bluish-green  color. 

The  wet  reactions  bear  a  close  resemblance  to  those  of 
alumina ;  it  differs,  however,  from  the  latter  by  its  solubility 
in  carbonated  alkalies  and  in  boiling  sal-ammoniac  solution 
with  evolution  of  ammonia  ;  by  its  salts  affording  no  precipitate 
of  glucinaalum  with  sulphate  of  potassium,  and  by  the  fact  that 

*  Free  fluorine  gas  is  affirmed  to  have  been  found  by  Oscar  Low,  at 
Munich,  in  fluor-spar  from  Wolsendorf.  See  Berichte  d'er  Deutscheii 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  165 

its  dilute  solution  in  the  caustic  alkalies  is  decomposed  by  long 
boiling,  the  earth  being  precipitated.  Alkaline  carbonates 
throw  down  in  solutions  of  its  salts  BeCO3,  soluble  only  in 
considerable  excess  of  the  precipitant.  A  concentrated  solution 
of  carbonate  of  ammonia  dissolves  the  precipitate  more  readily 
than  either  the  carbonate  of  sodium  or  potassium;  but  by  boil- 
ing the  earth  is  again  precipitated  in  such  a  solution.  Native 
minerals  containing  glucina  are  fused  with  4  parts  of  carbon- 
ated alkali.  The  mass  is  evaporated  with  a  slight  excess 
of  sulphuric  acid  to  dryness,  and  the  SiO2  separated  by  the 
addition  of  water.  From  the  concentrated  filtrate  nearly  the 
whole  amount  of  alumina  may  be  removed  in  the  form  of  alum, 
while  the  BeO  remains  all  dissolved  in  the  mother-liquor. 
This  solution  is  poured  into  a  warm  concentrated  solution  of 
carbonate  of  ammonium.  After  remaining  in  contact  for  several 
days  the  solution,  containing  BeCO3,  is  filtered  off  and  boiled 
for  a  long  time  to  precipitate  the  BeCO3;  or  it  may,  after  being 
acidulated  with  HC1,  be  thrown  down  by  ammonia  as  glucinum 
hydroxide  Be(OH)2. 

Glucina  occurs  usually  in  combination  with  silica  and 
alumina  in  minerals. 

21.  GOLD  may  generally  be  recognized  by  its  physical  char- 
acters :  color,  lustre,  malleability,  spec.  grav.  When  a  gold 
compound  is  heated  on  a  carbonized  match  in  R.  F.?  a  yellow 
malleable  bead  is  obtained,  which  dissolves  in  aqua  regia.  If 
this  solution  be  dropped  on  to  filter  paper  and  one  drop  of  stan- 
nous  cliloride  added,  a  purple-red  color  is  observed.  Gold  can 
be  readily  detected  in  its  solutions,  inasmuch  as  it  is  obtained 
in  the  metallic  state  by  reducing  agents*,  the  well- washed  pre- 
cipitate being  dissolved  and  tested  with  stannous  chloride.  It 
is  separated  from  the  easily  volatile  metals  by  simple  heating 
on  charcoal  in  O.  F.  If  associated  with  copper  or  silver,  it 
must  be  fused  with  a  large  excess  of  pure  metallic  lead  and 
subjected  to  cupellation.  The  copper  is  absorbed  into  the 
cupel  with  the  lead,  while  the  silver  remains  alloyed  with 


166  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

the  gold.  If  the  globule  is  quite  yellow,  it  is  a  proof  that  but 
little  silver  is  present,  it  is  then  to  be  tested  with  salt  of  phos- 
phorus, to  prove  the  presence  of  silver,  which,  after  fusion 
on  charcoal  in  0.  F.,  will  impart  an  opaline  character  to  the 
cool  bead.  If  it  be  more  of  a  silver-white  color,  the  amount 
of  gold  will  be  small,  and  in  order  to  prove  its  presence  and 
approximate  quantity  the  globule  must  be  digested  in  a  por- 
celain capsule  with  nitric  acid,  by  application  of  heat.  The 
silver  is  thus  dissolved,  and  the  gold  remains  as  a  dark  powder, 
or  as  a  spongy  mass.  If  this  powder  be  washed  and  fused 
with  borax  on  charcoal,  it  will  yield  a  globule  of  metallic  gold. 

22.  IODINE — Iodides  added  to  a  bead  of  salt  of  phospho- 
rus previously  saturated  with  oxide  of  copper,  tinge  the  O.  F. 
intensely   emerald-green.      Compare    chlorine   and    bromine, 
pages  152  and  156. 

Iodides,  like  bromfdes,  are  decomposed  and  yield,  by  fusion 
with  bisulphate  of  potassium,  free  iodine,  which  may  be  recog- 
nized by  its  purple-colored  vapor  and  disagreeable  odor. 

When  an  emulsion  of  starch-paste  is  mixed  with  a  little 
iodide  of  potassium,  and  some  HC1  is  added,  iodine  is  libe- 
rated, which  colors  the  starch  blue. 

The  iodide  of  silver,  and  the  iodides  of  the  alkalies,  are  dis- 
tinguished, in  the  presence  of  other  halogen  compounds,  by 
the  fine  scarlet  coating  they  produce,  B.  B.,  on  coal,  when 
fused  with  sulphide  of  bismuth  (obtained  by  heating  flowers  of 
sulphur  and  bismuth). 

23.  IRIDIUM,  Ir — -The  metal  itself  is  easily  distinguished 
from  all  others,  excepting  rhodium  and  ruthenium,  by  its  in- 
solubility in  acids,  not  being  attacked  in  the  compact  state  by 
any  acid  whatever,  and  in  a  state  of  fine  division,  only  very 
slowly  by  nitro-muriatic  acid.     Its  infusibility,  even  in  an  ordi- 
nary oxyhydrogen  blowpipe  flame,  serves  also  to  distinguish  it 
from  all  other  metals,  except  rhodium,  ruthenium,  and  osmium. 
It  may  be  distinguished  from  rhodium  by  fusing  it,  in  the  finely 
divided    state,   with    acid    (bi)    sulphate   of   potassium.     The 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  167 

iridium  is  then  converted  into  sesquioxide,  but  does  not  dis- 
solve in  the  acid  sulphate  or  color  it  pink-red  as  rhodium  does. 

Another  method  of  distinguishing  iridium  from  rhodium, 
and  likewise  from  ruthenium,  is  to  mix  it  intimately  with 
potassium  or  sodium  chloride,  heat  the  mixture  in  a  stream  of 
chlorine,  and  dissolve  the  resulting  double  chlorides  in  water. 
Iridium  thus  treated  yields  a  blackish-brown  solution,  rhodium 
a  rose-red,  and  ruthenium  an  orange-yellow  solution.  All 
compounds  of  Ir  are  easily  reduced  to  the  metallic  state  by 
ignition  in  an  atmosphere  of  hydrogen ;  the  reduced  metal  may 
then  be  tested  in  the  manner  just  described. 

24.  IRON — The  oxides  of  iron  impart  a  brownish  or  yellow- 
ish-red color  to  Bx.  or  S.  Ph.  in  the  O.  F.,  and  a  green  one  in 
the  R.  F.,  which  color  nearly  disappears  on  cooling. 

In  order  to  ascertain  whether  a  substance  contains  protoxide 
or  sesquioxide  of  iron,  some  of  it  is  dissolved  B.  B.  in  a  bead 
of  Bx.  previously  saturated  with  some  black  oxide  of  copper. 
If  sesquioxide  be  present  the  bead  turns  bluish-green  ;  if  pro- 
toxide, red  opaque  spots  and  streaks  are  visible  on  the  bead 
from  separated  cuprous  oxide  (Cu2O). 

Ferrous  oxide,  FeO.  The  salts  of  this  oxide  are  formed  by 
dissolving  iron  in  dilute  HC1  or  H2SO4,  with  evolution  of  hydro- 
gen gas.  In  warm  HN03  iron  is  oxidized  to  a  ferric  salt. 
The  ferrous  salts  are  white  when  anhydrous  ;•  bluish-green  as 
hydrates.  T.hey  oxidize  gradually  on  exposure  to  the  air, 
forming  a  yellow  basic  ferric  oxide,  which  is  deposited  in  a 
neutral  solution.  They  give  up  their  acids  at  a  red  heat,  when 
red  sesquioxide  is  left  behind. 

Caustic  alkalies  and  ammonia  precipitate  from  ferrous  salts 
white  hydrated  ferrous  oxide,  Fe(OH)2,  which  turns  green, 
and  finally  brown  in  the  air.  In  the  presence  of  ammonia- 
salts,  or  organic  acids,  the  precipitation  is  incomplete. 

Sulphydric  acid  gives  no  precipitate  in  acid  solutions  of 
ferrous  salts.* 

*  Except  the  ferrous  acetate,  which  is  partially  precipitated,  even 
in  the  presence  of free  acetic  acid. 


1C8  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Sulphide  of  ammonium  throws  down  the  iron  completely  as 
'black  sulphide,  FeS,  slightly  soluble  in  an  excess  only,  when 
much  carbonate  of  soda  is  present.  FeS  is  easily  soluble  in 
HC1,  being  converted  into  FeCl2  with  evolution  of  SH2. 

Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  gives  with  ferrous  salts  a  white 
precipitate,  or  with  solutions  containing  small  quantities  of 
ferric  oxide  a  bluish-white  one,  FeCy2  -{-  KCy,  which,  on  ex- 
posure to  the  air,  changes  quickly  into  Prussian  blue. 

Ferricyanide  of  potassium  gives  at  once  a  fine  blue  precipi- 
tate (TurnbulPs  blue),  3FeCy?  -f  FeCy6  (characteristic  distinc- 
tion of  the  two  oxides). 

Tincture  of  galls  produces  no  change  unless  the  ferrous  salts 
contain  some  sesquioxide. 

Ferrous  salts  reduce  chloride  of  gold  and  nitrate  of  silver  to 
the  metallic  condition. 

Ferric  oxide  (sesquioxide)  of  iron,  Fe2O3.  This  reddish- 
brown  powder  remains  unchanged  when  ignited  by  itself.  In 
this  form  iron  is  always  determined  quantitatively.  Fe2O3  is 
completely  soluble  in  HC1.  The  native  oxide,  or  that  which 
has  been  previously  ignited,  being  only  slowly  soluble.  The 
salts  of  the  sesquioxide  in  dilute,  and  as  nearly  as  possible 
neutral  solution,  or  when  the  solution  is  previously  treated  with 
acetate  of  sodium,  are  decomposed  at  a  boiling  heat,  sesquioxide 
of  iron  being  precipitated ;  if  phosphoric  or  arsenic  acid  be 
present  these  acids  will  be  contained  in  the  precipitate.  By 
warming  a  solution  of  ferric  salts  with  metallic  iron,  zinc,  or 
with  sulphurous  acid,  or  by  passing  H2S  through  it,  they  are 
reduced  to  ferrous  salts.  On  the  contrary,  solutions  of  ferrous 
salts  are  converted  into  ferric  salts  if  at  a  boiling  heat  some 
nitric  acid  is  added.  The  presence  of  another  free  acid 
(e.  g.,  HC1  or  H2SO4)  is  advantageous.  The  nitric  acid  is 
thereby  decomposed,  and  nitric  oxide  gas,  NO  (turning  to  red 
nitrous  acid  fumes  in  the  air)  is  given  off,  viz.: 

6FeCl2  +  6HC1  +  2NHO3  =  3(Fe2)Cl6  +  2NO  -f  4H2O. 

If  no  free  acid  is  present,  there  are  partly  basic  and  usually 
insoluble  ferric  salts  produced.  Chlorine  gas  likewise  causes 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  169 

an  analogous  oxidation  of  ferrous  salts.  Thus,  if  one  of  the 
latter,  after  being  acidulated  with  HC1,  is  warmed  and  some 
chlorate  of  potassium,  KC1O3,  is  added  (not  more  than  2  or  3 
crystals),  the  HC1  is  decomposed  into  water  and  chlorine,  which 
latter,  indicated  by  its  odor,  accomplishes  the  oxidation  thus: 
2FeCl2-fCI2^(Fe2)Cl6. 

The  following  equation  expresses  the  action  of  chlorate  of 
potassium  : — 

6FeCl2  +'  6HC1  +  KC1O,  =  3(Fe2) C16  +  3H2O  +  KC1. 

Free  chlorine  gas,  or  chlorine  water,  may  be  thus  employed, 
or  chlorides,  such  as  the  perchloride  of  tin,  SnCl4  (which  yields 
chlorine).  In  the  separation  of  Fe2O3  from  FeO,  MnO,  etc., 
we  precipitate  the  Fe2O3  with  carbonate  of  barium,  which  pre- 
cipitates the  Fe2O3  completely,  even  in  the  cold,  while  ferrous 
oxide  remains  unaltered  in  the  solution  (if  free  from  access  of 
air). 

The  two  oxides,  when  both  are  present  at  the  same  time,  are 
found  by  two  experiments:  1st,  with  ferricyanide  of  potassium 
(red  prussiate  of  potassium)  we  test  for  ferrous  oxide  (blue 
precipitate)  ;  and  2d,  with  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  "(yellow 
prussiate  of  potassium)  we  test  for  ferric  oxide  (blue  precipi- 
tate). From  the  alkalies  sesquioxide  of  iron  is  separated  by 
ammonia  ;  from  the  alkaline  earths  and  magnesia,  by  precipi- 
tating with  ammonia,  in  the  presence  of  sal  ammoniac,  and 
boiling  until  the  odor  of  ammonia  disappears.  Oxides  of  the 
formula  MO,  that  were  likewise  partially  thrown  down,  pass 
thus  again  in  solution.  From  manganese,  nickel,  Ni(HO)2, 
cobalt,  Co(HO)a,  it  is  more  readily  separated  if  the  dilute 
solution,  containing  ferric  oxide,  is  heated  with  carbonate  of 
sodium  until  it  turns  brownish-red,  then  acetate  of  sodium 
added  and  heated  to  boiling,  when  only  Fe2O3  is  thrown  down. 

Tincture  of  galls  precipitates  the  sesqui  salts  of  iron  bluish- 
black  (ink). 

Sulphocyanide  of  potassium  (CNKS)  produces  a  blood-red 
15* 


170  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

color,  which  is  not  destroyed  by  HC1,  but  disappears  in  the 
presence  of  acetate  of  sodium. 

Ferric  acid,  FeO3,  i§  only  known  in  combination  with  alka- 
lies, forming  fine,  amethystine-red  solutions. 

25.  LEAD — B.  B.  with  Sd.  on  Ch,  a  malleable  globule  of  me- 
tallic lead  is  obtained  from  lead  compounds ;  the  coating  has 
a  yellow  color  near  the  assay,  and  further  oft'  a  white  color 
(carbonate) ;  on  being  touched  with  the  R.  F.  both  of  these 
disappear,  tinging  the  flame  azure-blue.  In  solutions,  dilute 
sulphuric  acid  gives  a  white  precipitate  of  lead  sulphate,  nearly 
insoluble  in  water  and  in  dilute  acids.  The  acid  mixture  is  then 
best  evaporated  on  a  water-bath,  water  added  to  the  residue^ 
when  the  lead  sulphate,  if  present,  may  further  be  experimented 
with.  This  precipitate,  SO4Pb,  is  decomposable  by  hot  con- 
centrated HC1,  is  soluble  in  caustic  potassa,  also  in  tartrate  of 
ammonium,  containing  an  excess  of  ammonia,  from  which 
latter  solutions  it  can  be  precipitated  by  svlphide  of  ammonium 
(black)  or  chromate  of  potassium  (yellow) ;  by  being  boiled  with 
carbonate  of  sodium,  SO4Pb  is  completely  converted  into  car- 
bonate of  lead.  Salts  of  lead  are  precipitated  both  by  sulphide 
of  hydrogen  and  sulphide  of  ammonium,  the  black  precipitate, 
PbS,  being  insoluble  in  dilute  acids,  potassa,  and  sulphide  of 
ammonium.  In  the  presence  of  much  free  HC1,  the  precipi- 
tated sulphide  of  lead  looks  brown  or  almost  red.  When  in 
thick  masses,  such  as  the  common  sheets  and  pipes  of  commerce, 
lead  is  scarcely  at  all  acted  upon  by  cold  sulphuric  acid,  and  is 
but  slowly  corroded  by  hydrochloric  acid.  Both  these  acids 
form,  by  their  action  on  the  lead,  nearly  insoluble  salts,  and  as 
soon  as  a  layer  of  the  salt  has  once  been  deposited  upon  the 
surface  of  the  metal,  the  latter  is  thereby  protected  from  further 
corrosion.  On  exposure  to  the  air  lead  soon  tarnishes,  owing 
to  the  formation  of  a  thin  coating  of  lead  suboxide.  By  the 
simultaneous  or  alternate  action  of  water  and  air,  lead  is  very 
rapidly  corroded  in  consequence  of  the  formation  of  a  lead 
hydrate,  which  is  converted  by  the  carbonic  acid  in  the  air  into 
lead  carbonate.  All  natural  waters  act  more  or  less  on  lead. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  171 

In  some  cases  the  action  is  so  slight  that  lead  pipes  are  used 
with  safety  for  conveying  the  water ;  in  other  cases,  the  use 
of  lead  pipes  is  very  dangerous  on  account  of  the  poisonous 
character  of  the  salts  of  lead.  The  author  of  this  book  has 
had  frequently  occasion  to  test  water,  which  passed  through 
lead  pipes,  for  this  injurious  ingredient.  Even  very  minute 
quantities  of  lead  may  be  traced  thus :  A  measured  quantity 
of  suspected  water  is  evaporated  nearly  to  dryness,  and  the 
thus  concentrated  liquid  placed  in  a  small,  bright,  new  porcelain 
dish,  where  it  is  first  acidulated  with  pure  acetic  acid,  and  next 
sulphide  of  hydrogen  passed  into  it,  when,  if  lead  is  present, 
either  a  black  or  brown  precipitate  of  PbS  is  thrown  down. 
Owing  to  the  presence  of  free  acetic  acid,  ordinary  metals  like 
iron  do  not  interfere  with  the  reaction. 

26.  LIME,  B.  B. — It  imparts  a  yellowish-red  color  to  the 
flame.  When  observed  through  copper-green  glass  the  lime- 
flame  appears  siskin-green  ;  with  cobalt-blue  glass  it  is  pale 
greenish-gray. 

Many  calcium  salts  give  an  alkaline  reaction  with  test  papers 
after  ignition  (caustic  lime). 

Calcium  hydroxide  Ca(HO)2  is  soluble  in  600-700  parts 
of  cold  water  (lime-water),  which  reacts  alkaline  and  becomes 
turbid  in  the  air  (CaCO3).  Sulphate  of  calcium,  CaSO4-f  2H2O, 
is  soluble  in  500  parts  of  water,  more  readily  in  acids,  but  in- 
soluble in  alcohol. "  When  sulphate  of  calcium  is  digested,  even 
in  the  cold,  with  carbonate  of  potassa  or  carbonate  of  ammonium, 
it  is  entirely  converted  into  carbonate  of  calcium.  Oxalic  acid, 
or  soluble  oxalates,  precipitate  lime  completely,  even  from  very 
dilute  solutions,  as  calcium  oxalate,  C2O4Ca  +  H2O.  Ammo- 
nia promotes  the  formation  of  the  precipitate,  which  is  insol- 
uble in  water,  acetic,  and  oxalic  acid,  but  easily  soluble  in 
mineral  acids,  and  in  neutral  magnesia  salts.  From  solutions 
previously  warmed,  we  precipitate  lime  generally  by  oxalate  of 
ammonium  and  free  ammonium  (the  liquid  must  smell  of  free 
ammonia),  and  let  it  rest  for  twelve  hours  in  a  covered  glass 
beaker,  decant  the  clear  supernatant  liquid,  and  bring  the  rest 


172  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

upon  a  filter  and  wash  with  hot  water.  For  quantitative  deter- 
minations the  dried  precipitate,  with  filter,  is  brought  into  a 
platinum  crucible  and  heated,  at  first  gently,  and  then  for  ten 
minutes  to  a  light  red  heat.  The  crucible  is  brought  into  a 
drier,  and,  when  cold,  weighed.  The  oxalate  has  thus  been 
converted  into  carbonate  of  calcium.  If  the  heat  be  too  great, 
some  caustic  lime  may  be  formed  (indicated  by  moist  turmeric 
paper)  ;  in  that  case,  a  piece  of  carbonate  of  ammonium  is  thrown 
into  the  crucible  and  heat  again  applied  with  great  care.  It  is 
simpler  and  safer  to  convert  all  into  caustic  lime  by  heating 
the  crucible  over  a  blast-lamp  for  twenty  minutes.  Lime- 
stones are  tested  for  strontia  by  calcining,  then  adding  water 
and  boiling,  when  all  the  strontia  and  some  little  lime  will  be 
found  in  the  filtrate.  Compare  the  whole  group  of  alkaline 
earths  (Ba,  Sr,  Ca,  Mg)  and  note  the  distinctive  reactions. 

27.  LITHIA  (LiO). — Lithia  is  found  in  small  quantities  in 
petalite,  spodumene,  amblygonite,  lepidolite,  tryphylite,  and 
also  in  the  waters  of  mineral  springs. 

B.  B.  Salts  of  lithium  impart  a  carmine  color  to  the  gas  flame 
or  to  that  of  alcohol,  which  is  not  prevented  by  the  presence 
of  potassa  but  is  concealed  by  the  intensely  yellow  color  of  the 
salts  of  sodium.  Silicates  containing  but  little  lithium  scarcely 
tinge  the  flame,  but  if  the  fine  mineral  powder  is  mixed  with 
one  part  of  finely  pulverized  fluor-spar,  and  one  and  a  half  part 
of  bisulphate  of  potassium,  the  whole  kneaded  with  some  water 
into  a  paste,  and  this  exposed  on  platinum  wire  to  the  point  of 
the  blue  cone  of  the  flame,  the  outer  flame  will  be  colored  dis- 
tinctly red  ;  if  no  lithium  be  present,  the  mixture  gives  a  faint 
violet  flame.  Chapman  has  shown  that  the  lithium  flame,  unlike 
strontium,  is  not  obscured  by  the  presence  of  barium.  He  sug- 
gests fusing  lithium  minerals  with  chloride  of  barium.  Thus,  if 
tryphylite  (an  iron-manganese-lithium  phosphate)  is  treated  in 
this  manner,  it  yields  a  beautiful  crimson  color.  (^See  flame 
reactions. ) 

The  salts  of  lithium  are  all  soluble  in  water,  but  the  oxide, 
carbonate,  and  phosphate  of  lithium  are  nearly  insoluble  in 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  173 

watef,  hence  salts  of  lithium,  in  concentrated  solution,  will 
give  precipitates  with  carbonate  or  phosphate  of  sodium, 
especially  when  they  are  heated  and  somewhat  evaporated. 
Lithium-platinic  chloride  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether. 

28.  MAGNESIA,  B.  B. -^-Magnesia,  and  many  magnesian 
silicates,  afford  a  clear  rose-red  color  with  cobalt  solution  after 
a  long  heating.  A  fragment  after  heating  should  be  moistened 
with  the  solution  and  then  heated  again,  the  color  deepens  on 
cooling.  It  is  distinguished  from  baryta  and  strontia  in  the 
wet  way,  by  the  fact  that  sulphuric  acid  gives  no  precipitate 
in  dilute  HC1  solutions,  but  gives  a  precipitate  in  concentrated 
solutions  of  calcium  salts,  which  fact  again  distinguishes  lime 
from  magnesia,  the  sulphate  of  which  (Epsom  salts)  is  soluble 
in  water.  The  calcium  sulphate  differs  from  barium  and 
strontium  sulphates  by  being  soluble  in  a  concentrated  solution 
of  ammonium  sulphate. 

The  whole  group  of  the  metals  of  the  alkaline  earths,  like 
that  of  the  alkalies,  occurs  only  in  the  form  of  salts.  Their 
oxides,  the  alkaline  earths  (BaO,  SrO,  CaO),  are  soluble  in 
water,  taking  up  first  a  portion  thereof  and  forming,  with  evo- 
lution of  heat,  oxyhydrates  (hydroxides)  of  the  general  for- 
mula MO,  H2O  =  M(OH)2.  Magnesia,  MgO,  is  insoluble  in 
water,  though  with  difficulty  soluble  as  a  hydrate.  Their  car- 
bonates, CO8M,  and  phosphates,  (PO4).,M8,  are  insoluble  in 
water  but  soluble  in  acids,  the  soluble  salts  of  the  alkaline 
earths  are  hence  precipitated  by  soluble  and  neutral  carbonate 
and  phosphate  salts. 

Owing  to  the  possibility  that  the  precipitated  carbonates  of 
Ba,  Sr,  and  Ca  may  be  partly  retained  (dissolved),  by  the 
free  carbonic  acid,  the  precipitation  with  carbonate  of  ammo- 
nium should  take  place  with  the  slightly  warmed  liquid  and  in 
the  presence  of  free  ammonia.  The  precipitation  is  somewhat 
slow,  but  complete  in  the  absence  of  ammonium  salts,  especi- 
ally chloride. of  ammonium. 

For  qualitative  analysis  the  following  reactions  are  not  with- 
out some  importance.  The  phosphates  of  the  alkaline  earths, 

15* 


174  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

viz.,  Ba3(PO4)2,  Srs(PO4)2,  Ca3(PO4)2,  are  obtained  by  pre- 
cipitating the  earthy  salt  solution  with  a  soluble  phosphate. 
The  precipitates  are  white,  amorphous,  soluble  in  mineral  and 
acetic  acids,  but  insoluble  in  water.  Consult  Magnesia,  p.  173. 
Solubility  of  the  chlorides  and  nitrates  of  the  alkaline  earths 
in  alcohol— 

BaCl2        ).       in       SrCl2        |  soluble.       CaCl2        )  solu- 
Ba(NO3)2j  !1  '    Sr(NO8),j  insoluble.    Ca(NO3)2j    ble. 

These  reactions  can  be  used  for  the  separation  of  the  group 
mentioned  (also  quantitative)  in  the  absence  of  water,  i.  e.,  the 
salt  must  be  completely  dry,  and  the  alcohol  must  be  anhy- 
drous (100  p.  c.)- 

Deportment  of  the  Alkaline  Carbonates  with  the  Alkaline 
Earths. 

When  the  sulphates  of  barium,  strontium,  and  calcium  are 
fused  in  a  crucible  with  carbonate  of  potassium  or  sodium,  they 
are  quickly  and  completely  converted  into  carbonates.  By 
merely  boiling  these  earthy  salts  with  a  concentrated  solution  of 
carbonate  of  sodium,  the  sulphates  of  strontium  and  of  calcium 
pass  readily  into  carbonates,  whilst  the  sulphate  of  barium 
decomposes  very  slowly,  and  the  solution  of  the  carbonate  of 
sodium  must  be  repeatedly  poured  off,  and  be  replaced  by  a 
new  portion  and  heat  applied. 

Separation  of  sulphate  of  strontium  from  sulphate  of  calcium 
by  sulphate  of  ammonium. 

A  solution  of  sulphate  of  ammonium  in  large  excess  (1  part 
of  dry  salt  and  4  parts  of  water)  after  boiling  for  one  hour,  or 
in  contact  for  twelve  hours  at  a  common  temperature,  dissolves 
sulphate  of  calcium  completely,  whilst  sulphate  of  strontium 
(and  sulphate  of  barium)  are  not  altered.  From  the  solution  of 
the  sulphate  of  ammonium  the  lime  is  precipitated  as  oxalateof 
calcium,  which,  on  ignition,  forms  carbonate  of  calcium. 

Sulphuric  acid  and  soluble  sulphates  produce  no  precipitate 
in  a  solution  of  a  magnesium  salt,  but  the  fixed  caustic  alkalies, 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  175 

and  also  baryta,  and  lime-water,  especially  at  a  slightly  elevated 
temperature,  throw  down  all  the  magnesium  in  form  of  a  hydrate, 
Mg(OH)2,  which,  however,  upon  addition  of  an  ammonium  salt, 
in  sufficient  quantity,  disappears  again,  or  when  ammonium  salts 
are  present,  is  not  precipited  at  all.*  An  excess  of  neutral  car- 
bonate of  ammonium  precipitates  from  neutral  magnesium  salts, 
when  the  solution  is  not  too  diluted,  all  the  magnesium  in  the 
form  of  an  insoluble  double  salt,  e.  g.,  CO3MgCO3(NH4)2  + 
4H2O,  by  which  process  magnesium  may  be  separated  from  the 
fixed  alkalies.  The  fixed  carbonates  of  the  alkalies  throw  down 
at  a  boiling  heat  all  the  magnesia  in  the  form  of  gelatinous 
basic  carbonate  of  magnesium  (magnesia  alba),  3CO3Mg  + 
Mg(OH)8  -f  4H2O,  but  only  in  the  absence  of  ammonium  salts. 

Phosphate  of  sodium,  (PO4HNa2),  produces  even  in  dilute  solu- 
tions of  magnesium  salts,  in  the  presence  of  sal-ammoniac  and 
free  ammonia,  a  white  crystalline  precipitate  (PO4HNa(NH4) 
-f  GH2O),  soluble  in  acids,  even  acetic  acid,  but  entirely  in- 
soluble in  dilute  ammonia,  with  which  it  is  washed  when  filtered 
off.  When  ignited  it  passes  into  pyrophosphate  of  magnesium 
(P20,,M?3). 

29.  MANGANESE The  oxide  (Mn2O3)  gives  with  borax 

in  the  O.  F.  an  amethystine  bead  (very  dark  with  excess), 
which  becomes  colorless  in  the  R.  F.  (protoxide).  The  soda 
test  when  executed  on  platinum  foil  is  the  most  sensitive. 
The  deep  green  color  is  more  quickly  obtained  when  a  small 
fragment  of  nitre  or  chlorate  of  potassium  be  added  to  the  assay 
before  fusion.  When  testing  substances  which  do  not  dissolve 
readily  in  soda,  it  is  well  to  add  a  little  borax  to  the  bead,  and 
this  also  makes  the  test  much  more  delicate  (Chapman).  By 
this  operation  the  manganese  is  oxidized  to  manganic  acid, 
which  forms  with  soda  green  manganate  of  sodium,  MnOtNa2. 

Manganese  forms  with  oxygen  a  series  of  compounds,  viz., 
Manganous  oxide,  MnO,  Manganic  oxide  (sesquioxide)  Mn2O3 

*  For  1  mol.  of  magnesium  salt  at  least  4  mol.  of  carbonate  of  am- 
monium are  required. 


176  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Manganese  dioxide  (pyrolusite),  MnO2.  Manganic  acid,  MnO3 
forming  manganates,  but  not  used  as  an  acid.  Permanganic 
acid,  Mn2O7,  only  known  arid  in  use  as  permanganate  salt,  as 
a  powerful  oxidizing  agent.  The  manganous  salts  are  either 
of  a  rose  color  or  colorless,  mostly  soluble  in  water,  the  solution 
undergoing  no  higher  oxidation  in  the  air;  the  sulphate  is 
permanent  even  when  ignited.  All  the  oxygen  compounds  of 
manganese  (and  carbonates)  form,  when  ignited,  manganous- 
manganic  oxide  (Mn3O4).  All  the  higher  oxides,  on  being 
heated  with  HC1,  pass  into  the  condition  of  manganous  chloride 
(MnCl2),  corresponding  with  manganous  oxide  (MnO),  e.  g., 
MnO2  +  4HC1  =  MnCl2  +  2C1  +  2H2O. 

Manganic  oxide  is  not  decomposed  by  HC1  in  the  cold. 
Heated  with  cone,  sulphuric  acid  all  the  higher  oxides  evolve 
oxygen  with  formation  of  SO4Mn. 

Sulphydric  acid  occasions  no  precipitate  in  solutions  of 
manganous  salts,  not  even  with  the  acetate. 

Sulphide  of  ammonium  gives  a  flesh-colored  precipitate  of 
manganous  sulphide,  MnS.  Acetic  acid  acting  on  the  preci- 
pitated sulphides,  separates  manganese  from  cobalt  and  nickel 
and  from  a  part  of  zinc  (separation  of  zinc  from  manganese 
and  other  metals). 

We  may  also  proceed  thus  :  To  the  examining  solution  we 
add  acetate  of  sodium,  and  precipitate  with  H2S,  which  throws 
down  sulphide  of  zinc,  and  leaves  in  solution  manganese  and 
iron.  Acid  solutions  must  previously  be  neutralized  with  car- 
bonate of  sodium  until  they  become  slightly  turbid,  and  next 
be  acidulated  with  acetic  acid. 

MnS  when  dissolved  in  acetic  acid  in  the  air  gives  off  H2S, 
takes  up  oxygen,  and  turns  brownish-black. 

Caustic  potash  or  soda  precipitates  white  manganous  hydrate, 
Mn(OH)2,  insoluble  in  excess,  and  becoming  quickly  brown  in 
the  air,  and  is  then  no  longer  completely  soluble  in  chloride  of 
ammonium. 

Ammonia  gives  in  acid  solutions  of  the  manganous  salts,  or 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  177 

in  those  which  contain  ammoniacal  salts,  no  precipitate  at  first, 
but  the  solution  becomes  turbid  on  exposure  to  the  air,  and 
deposits  (if  sufficient  ammonia  be  used)  all  the  metal  as  brown 
hydroxide  of  manganese,  Mn2(OH)6. 

Alkaline  carbonates,  phosphates,  arseniates,  and  oxalates 
occasion  white  precipitates. 

Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  gives  a  white  precipitate  with 
manganous  salt,  and  ferricyanide  of  potassium  a  brownish-yel- 
low one.  If  lead  dioxide  or  superoxide  (PbO2),  or  minium 
(2PbO,  PbO2)  be  heated  with  an  excess  of  nitric  acid,  and  a 
trace  of  a  manganous  salt  be  added  (or  the  solution  to  be  tested 
for  manganese  free  from  sal-ammoniac),  the  fluid  assumes  the 
intense  purple  color  of  permanganic  acid,  which  is  very  per- 
ceptible after  the  separation  of  the  excess  of  dioxide  of  lead 
(a  delicate  test  for  manganese). 

Manganic  oxide  (sesquioxide),  Mn2O3,  as  well  as  the  corre- 
sponding hydroxide,  Mn2(OH)6,  form  brownish-black  powders. 
The  solution  in  cold  sulphuric  acid  is  cherry-red  or  crimson, 
and  passes,  like  other  manganic  salts,  into  manganous  salts, 
with  a  loss  of  color  when  in  contact  with  reducing  agents 
(hydrochloric,  sulphurous,  and  nitrous  acid,  organic  matters, 
etc.),  or  when  heated  by  themselves.  Dioxide  of  manganese 
(peroxide),  MnO2,  is  the  most  important  native  mineral  (pyro- 
lusite). 

By  ignition  it  yields  one-third  part  of  oxygen  gas,  and  when 
treated  with  cone,  sulphuric  acid  half  its  contents  of  oxygen. 

Permanganic  acid. — Its  salt  dissolves  in  water  with  an  in- 
tense purple  color,  which  is  immediately  decolorized  by  organic 
materials  (analysis  of  water),  and  all  the  following  reducing 
agents  (HC1,SO2,  As2O3,  H2S,  ferrous  salts,  etc.). 

30.  MERCURY  and  AMALGAMS  yield  a  sublimate  of  finely 
divided  metallic  mercury,  when  heated  in  the  closed  tube. 
Compounds  of  mercury  heated  in  the  closed  tube  together  with 
soda,  yield  also  metallic  mercury  which  condenses  above  the 
assay.  When  a  gray  sublimate  is  obtained,  without  exhibiting 
distinct  metallic  globules,  these  may  be  made  to  coalesce  by 


178  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

means  of  a  feather,  or  the  part  of  the  tube  containing  the  sub- 
limate is  cut  off' with  a  file,  brought  into  a  test-tube,  and  boiled 
with  some  dilute  HC1,  by  which  treatment  the  mercury  unites 
in  shining  globules.  In  cases  where  mercury  is  present  in 
such  small  quantities  that  no  distinct  sublimate  is  formed,  it 
may  be  detected  by  inserting  into  the  tube  a  piece  of  gold-leaf 
wrapped  around  the  end  of  an  iron  wire  and  held  just  above 
the  assay.  On  heating,  the  mercury  is  volatilized,  and  com- 
bining with  the  gold  forms  a  grayish-white  amalgam. 

Mercurous  compounds  of  ordinary  occurrence  are  insoluble 
in  water,  except  the  normal  nitrate,  the  sulphate,  and  the  ace- 
tate, which  are  sparingly  soluble  (300  to  600  parts  of  water). 
All  these  require  acidulated  water  for  their  solution,  becoming 
decomposed  by  water  at  a  certain  degree  of  dilution,  and  yield- 
ing precipitation  of  basic  salts. 

Solutions  of  mer citrons  salts  are  precipitated  by  HC1  and 
by  soluble  chlorides,  the  precipitate  being  white  mercurous 
chlorides  or  calomel,  Hg2Cla,  which  turns  black  with  caustic 
potash  or  ammonia. 

Solutions  of  mercuric  oxide,  Hg2O2  are  not  precipitated  by 
HC1,  since  the  mercuric  chloride  (corrosive  sublimate)  is  solu- 
ble in  about  twelve  parts  of  cold,  or  two  to  three  parts  of  boil- 
ing water,  and  freely  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether. 
.  Stannous  chloride  (SnCl2)  throws  down  calomel  from  mer- 
curic chloride  (HgCI2)  solutions.  A  clean  strip  of  copper, 
placed  in  a  slightly  acid  solution  of  a  salt  of  mercury,  become 
coated  with  metallic  mercury,  and  when  gently  rubbed  with 
cloth  or  paper,  presents  the  tin-white  lustre  of  the  metal,  the 
coating  being  driven  off  by  heat. 

31.  MOLYBDENUM — B.  B.,  on  charcoal,  gives  a  copper-red 
stain  in  the  O.  F.  on  cooling,  which  becomes  azure  blue  when 
touched  for  a  moment  with  the  R.  F. 

When  it  is  present  in  small  quantity,  particularly  when  as- 
sociated with  copper  or  tin,  as  in  some  furnace  products,  it  is 
necessary  to  have  recourse  to  the  wet  way.  The  silver-white 
molybdenum  is  not  oxidized  in  the  air  at  an  ordinary  tempe- 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  179 

rature,  but  when  slowly  heated  it  assumes  a  brownish-yellow, 
then  a  blue  tarnish,  and  at  a  higher  temperature  it  burns  off 
to  MoO3.  It  is  speedily  dissolved  by  nitric  acid  as  molybdic 
anhydride  (Mo03),  with  evolution  of  nitrous  fumes;  slowly  by 
hot  sulphuric  acid,  with  evolution  of  SO2.  Molybdenum  forms 
three  classes  of  compounds,  viz.,  molybdous  oxide,  MoO  ;  chlo- 
ride, MoCl2,  and  other  molybdous  salts  ;  molybdic  oxide,  MoO2; 
chloride,  MoCl4,  and  corresponding  salts  ;  the  two  kinds  of 
bases  are  converted  into  molybdic  acid,  or  molybdates,  by 
strong  oxidizing  agents,  while  molybdates  are  reducible  to  one 
or  the  other  of  the  bases  by  deoxidizing  agents.  From  molyb- 
dons  salts,  as  Mo(NO3)2,  alkaline  hydrates  or  carbonate  pre- 
cipitate dark-brown  molybdous  hydrate,  becoming  blue  in  the 
air  by  oxidation  to  molybdic-molybdate,  Mo(MoO4)2  and 
Mo2O6.  The  hydrate  is  insoluble  in  alkalies,  sparingly  soluble 
in  alkaline  carbonates,  but  easily  soluble  in  biearbonates.  For 
analytical  purposes  the  most  important  is  molybdic  anhy- 
dride, MoO3.  It  is  white,  lemon-yellow  when  heated,  fuses 
at  a  red  heat,  and  sublimes.  Hydrochloric  acid  separates 
from  alkaline  molybdates,  e.g.,  K2MoO4  white  crystalline  mo- 
lybdic acid,  soluble  again  in  an  excess  of  the  acid.  This  latter 
acid  solution,  or  the  HC1  solution,  assumes,  in  contact  with 
zinc,  at  first  a  blue,  then  a  green  and  brown  color.  The  addi- 
tion of  sulphocyanide  of  potassium  changes  the  brown  solution 
to  red.  The  same  red  tint  is  obtained  when  the  hydrochloric 
acid  solution  of  a  molybdate  is  treated  with  sulphocyanide  of 
potassium.  Ether  withdraws  this  color  from  the  liquid  and 
assumes  an  orange  tint,  which,  exposed  to  the  air,  turns  crimson 
(the  most  sensitive  reaction  for  molybdenum).  H2S  produces 
in  acid  solutions  of  molybdic  acid  gradually  a  brown  precipi- 
tate, MoS3,  soluble  in  (NH4)2S,  forming  (NH4)2MoS4,  while 
the  supernatant  liquid  appears  blue  or  green.  The  same  pre- 
cipitate is  formed  when  the  aqueous  solution  of  an  alkaline 
molybdate,  after  being  saturated  with  H2S,  or  after  the  addi- 
tion of  (NH4)2$,  is  acidulated  with  HC1.  When  the  powdered 
compound  of  molybdic  acid  is  mixed  with  a  drop  of  strong 


180  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

sulphuric  acid  on  platinum  foil,  a  blue  color  is  obtained,  or 
it  is  still  better  to  heat  the  pulverized  substance  in  a  small 
porcelain  dish  with  a  little  cone,  sulphuric  acid,  and  then  add 
alcohol,  when  the  liquid  assumes  a  sky-blue  color  if  molybdic 
acid  is  present.  For  the  reaction  of  molybdate  of  ammonium 
with  phosphoric  acid  see  "  Phosphates,"  page  183. 

32.  NICKEL,  B.  B — Oxide  of  nickel  gives,  if  cobalt  is  not 
present,  in  the  O.  F.  a  reddish-brown  bead  when  hot  and 
pale-yellow  on  cooling.  With  larger  quantities  of  oxide  these 
colors  are  darker.  In  the  R.  F.  the  bead  becomes  gray  and 
opaque  from  the  separation  of  metallic  nickel,  and  on  long  con- 
tinued blowing  colorless.  Upon  Ch.  in  the  R.  F.,  especially 
upon  addition  of  granulated  tin,  the  reduction  is  quickened  and 
the  reduced  nickel  unites  with  tin  to  a  metallic  globule. 

All  the  salts  of  the  protoxide,  or  nickelous  oxide,  NiO,  are 
yellow  when  anhydrous ;  as  hydrates,  or  in  solution,  green ; 
they  redden  litmus  paper,  arid  are  decomposed  on  ignition. 
The  neutral  salts  (containing  no  free  acid)  are  only  partially 
decomposed  by  H2S  ;  and,  when  acidulated  with  HC1,  not  at 
all ;  acetate  of  protoxide  of  nickel  or  any  nickel  salt,  previously 
treated  with  acetate  of  sodium,  is  completely  precipitated  by  H2S 
when  the  solution  is  warmed,  and  contains  riot  too  much  free 
acetic  acid.  The  precipitated  black  sulphide  of  nickel  (NiS) 
is  with  difficulty  soluble  in  dilute  hydrochloric,  and  in  acetic 
acid,  though  very  soluble  in  nitric,  and  nitro-hydrochloric 
acid.  (IS H4)2S,  likewise  throws  down  from  a  neutral  solution 
sulphide  of  nickel,  of  which  only  a  very  small  quantity  remains 
soluble  in  an  excess,  giving  it  a  brown  color.  On  this  account 
a  brown  cok>r  of  the  liquid  (which  is  poured  off  from  the  pre- 
cipitate produced  by  (NHJ2S)  indicates  nickel. 

Potassa  throws  down  apple-green  nickel  hydroxide  = 
^(OH)^,  insoluble  in  excess,  soluble  in  ammonia  salts.  Acid 
salts,  or  such  containing  sal-ammoniac,  are  not  precipitated  by 
NH3;  neutral  salts  only  partially;  the  precipitate  is  soluble  in 
an  excess  of  ammonia  with  a  blue  color.  Caustic  potash 
throws  down  gradually  from  this  solution  Ni(OH)2.  Carbo- 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  181 

nates  of  the  alkalies  precipitate  basic  carbonates  ;  the  precipi- 
tate being  soluble  in  an  excess  of  the  precipitant. 

Nitrite  of  potassium  produces  in  very  concentrated  nickel 
solutions  only  a  brownish-red  precipitate  of  potassio-nickelous 
nitrite  =  (N02)2Ni  -f-  4NO2K,  soluble  upon  addition  of  water. 
In  the  presence  of  carbonates  of  the  alkaline  earths  (Ba,  Sr, 
CM),  CO3,  said  reagent  throws  down,  even  in  dilute  nickel 
solutions,  nearly  all  the  metal  in  the  form  of  yellow  crystalline 
salt  (NO2)6NiMK2,  (M  =  Ba,  Sr,  or  Ca),  which  in  cold  water 
is  with  great,  difficulty,  in  boiling  water  easily,  soluble,  with  a 
green  color,  decomposition  taking  place. 

Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  yields  a  greenish-white,  ferri- 
cyanide  of  potassium  a  yellowish-green  precipitate. 

Cyanide  of  potassium  precipitates  nickelous  cyanide,  soluble 
in  excess,  the  solution  contains  potassio-nickelous  cyanide  = 
(NiCy2,  2KCy),  from  which  dilute  HC1,  or  H2S04,  again 
throws  down  NiCy2,  with  evolution  of  hydrocyanic  acid. 

If  the  solution  of  NiCy2,  2KCy,  is  treated  with  an  alkaline 
solution  of  hypochlorite  of  sodium,  and  heat  applied,  blackish- 
brown  nickelic  oxide  (peroxide)  —  Ni2O3,  is  thrown  down  as 
hydroxide.  The  same  happens,  when  the.  hydrated  protoxide 
of  nickel,  diffused  in  water  (or  better  in  dilute  alkali)  or  a 
solution  of  cyanide  of  nickel,  is  treated  with  chlorine.  Free 
acids,  even  acetic  acid,  prevent  its  formation.  HC1  con- 
verts it  into  chlorine  and  chloride  of  nickel.  On  this  reaction 
rests  a  method  of  separating  nickel  from  cobalt. 

33.  NITRIC  ACID  (NITRATES) — When  nitrates  are  fused  in 
a  glass  tube  with  bisulphate  of  potasium,  reddish-brown  fumes 
are  evolved  (N203),  which  become  readily  visible  when  the 
tube  is  held  against  a  white  background.  All  nitrates  detonate 
when  heated  on  charcoal ;  those  of  the  alkalies  and  alkaline 
earths  (calcium  nitrate)  deflagrate  with  violence,  being  con- 
verted into  carbonates. 

Osmium.     See  page  123. 

Oxygen — All  combustible  substances  burn  in  oxygen  gas 
with  great  brilliancy,  hence  if  this  element  is  Driven  off  from 


182  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

some  compound  heated  in  a  reagent  tube,  and  an  ignited  splin- 
ter of  charcoal  be  brought  into  the  gas,  it  will  burn  with 
greatly  increased  brilliancy. 

34.  PALLADIUM — Oxide  of  palladium,  PdO,  is  reduced  on 
ignition  by  B.  B.,  but  the  metallic  particles  cannot  be  fused 
together.  With  borax  on  platinum  wire  in  O.  F.  it  is  reduced 
without  dissolving  in  the  flux.  The  metallic  particles  cannot 
be  united  together  to  a  globule  even  on  charcoal  in  R.  F.  as  in 
O.  F.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  it  gives  the  same  reaction. 
With  soda  on  coal  insoluble.  The  soda  is  absorbed  by  the 
coal,  leaving  the  Pd  behind  as  infusible  powder. 

Palladium  occurs  in  a  tolerably  pure  state  with  Brazilian 
platinum  ore,  also  together  with  gold.  It  is  darker  than  plati- 
num ;  heated  in  the  air,  it  oxidizes  and  turns  blue  ;  at  a  higher 
temperature  the  oxide  is  again  destroyed.  In  the  alcohol  flame 
the  metal  becomes  covered  with  soot;  it  is  capable  of  condensing 
enormous  quantities  of  hydrogen  gas.*  In  nitric  acid  it  is  with 
difficulty  dissolved.  In  hot  hydrochloric  and  sulphuric  acid 
scarcely  soluble  ;  in  aqua  regia  readily  soluble.  With  oxygen 
it  forms  two  oxides,  PdO  and  PdOa,  like  platinum.  PdO  is 
the  common  compound.  PdCl4  is  produced  with  aqua  regia, 
and  combines  with  other  chlorides,  viz.,  KaPdCl6.  Palladic 
chloride  loses  chlorine  easily,  passing  into  palladious  chloride, 
PdCl2,  and  to  this  correspond  the  other  palladious  salts.  From 
solutions  of  these  caustic  alkalies  produce  a  dark-brown  pre- 
cipitate, PdO,  soluble  in  excess;  ammonia  gives  a  flesh-red  pre- 
cipitate, PdCl2NH3,  soluble  in  excess.  By  the  action  of  HC1 
on  this  solution,  a  yellow,  precipitate  is  formed,  Pd(NH3Cl)2. 
Iron  vitriol  reduces  palladium  salt  slowly  to  metallic  palladium 
(black).  Stannous  chloride  induces  a  black  precipitate,  and 
gives  a  green  solution.  Iodide  of  potassium  produces,  even  in 
dilute  solutions,  a  black  precipitate  of  palladious  iodide,  PdI2, 

*  Palladium  hydrate,  Pd2H4,  is  formed  by  passing  hydrogen  over 
metallic  palladium  heated  to  redness.  It  possesses  all  the  properties 
of  a  metal ;  it  has  metallic  lustre,  is  tough,  conducts  electricity,  and 
is  distinctly  magnetic.  (Graham.) 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  183 

quite  insoluble  in  water,  and  suitable  for  the  quantitative  deter- 
mination of  iodine. 

35.  PHOSPHORIC  ACID  OR  PHOSPHATES. — The  green  color 
(see  flame  reactions)  which   phosphates  impart   B.  B.   to  the 
flame,  especially  upon  the  addition  of  a  drop  of  concentrated 
sulphuric  acid  serves  often  for  their  detection. 

If  a  previously  pulverized  and  well-dried  phosphate  is  heated 
to  a  red  heat  in  a  closed  tube  with  a  piece  of  magnesium-wire 
or  metallic  sodium,  the  phosphoric  acid  will  be  reduced.  If 
the  tube  is  then  broken,  and  the  piece  containing  the  fused 
assay  is,  after  cooling,  moistened  with  a  little  water,  phosphor- 
etted  hydrogen  PH3  is  given  off,  having  the  characteristic  dis- 
agreeable odor  of  decaying  fish. 

If  a  phosphate  salt  is  dissolved  B.  B.  in  a  borax  bead  to 
which  some  carbonate  of  sodium  has  been  added,  and  tungstate 
of  sodium  is  introduced,  the  bead  upon  being  heated  in  the  R.  F. 
turns  blue,  while  tungstic  acid  alone  colors  a  borax  bead  in  the 
R.  F.  yellow. 

In  the  *ret  way  it  is  traced,  even  in  very  minute  quantities, 
thus,  a  few  drops  of  a  neutral  or  acid  solution  containing  phos- 
phoric acid  are  poured  into  a  test-tube  which  is  then  filled  to 
the  depth  of  an  inch  with  a  solution  of  molybdate  of  ammonium 
containing  much  free  nitric  acid,  there  is  formed  a  pale  yellow 
precipitate  termed  ammonium  phosphomolybdate.  For  the 
full  delicacy  of  the  test,  especially  if  mere  traces  of  phosphoric 
acid  are  present,  the  mixture  should  be  set  aside  for  several 
hours  at  a  temperature  of  30°  to  40°  C. 

Silicic  acid,  with  which  phosphoric  acid  might  be  confounded, 
produces  a  strongly  yellow  coloration,  but  does  not  yield  a 
precipitate,  whilst  arsenic  compounds  in  solution  furnish  a 
yellow  precipitate  of  ammonium  arsenio-molybdate  of  variable 
composition. 

36.  PLATINUM — This    metal   is    insoluble    in    IIC1,    HF1, 
H28O4,  and  HNO3,  but  soluble  in  aqua  regia  to  platinic  chlo- 
ride, Ptd4.     From  this  reddish-yellow  solution   H2S  throws 
down  dark-brown  platinum  sulphide  PtSa,  soluble  in  an  excess 


184  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

of  yellow  ammonium  sulphide.  Stannous  chloride  colors  the 
solution  of  platinum  dark  brownish-red.  For  the  reactions  of 
PtCl4  with  KC1  and  NH4C1,  consult  potassium  (below)  and 
ammonium,  page  140. 

37.  POTASSIUM For  flame  reactions,  see  B.  B.    A  glass  of 

borax  containing  potassa  becomes  blue  when  a  little  oxide  of 
nickel*   is   carefully  added,  with  soda  alone  a  brown  bead  is 
obtained  on  cooling. 

For  the  detection  of  potassium  in  compounds  in  the  wet  way, 
platinic  chloride  (PtClJ  is  added  to  neutral  and  acid  solutions 
of  the  compound  substance  (not  too  dilute),  together  with  HC1, 
(if  the  compound  be  not  a  chloride)*  when  a  yellow  crystalline 
precipitate  of  potassium  platinic  chloride  (KCl)2PtCl4  is  thrown 
down.  Since  ammonium  salts  are  also  precipitated  by  this 
reagent  with  closely  resembling  color  and  form,  these,  if  pre- 
sent, must  first  be  removed  (volatilized).  Minute  portions  of 
potassa  are  detected  by  evaporating  the  solution  with  the  rea- 
gent nearly  to  dryness  on  the  water-bath,  and  then  dissolving 
the  mass  in  alcohol ;  the  yellow  crystalline  precipitate,  octahe- 
dral, remains  undissolved,  and  may  be  identified  under  the 
microscope. 

38.  RHODIUM Rhodium  is  contained  in  platinum  ores  (0.4 

to  1.0  p.  c.).    It  is  soluble  in  aqua  regia  only  when  in  an  alloyed 
condition  (with  Pt  or  Cu).     It  is  soluble  on  fusion  with  bisul- 
phate  of  potassium  ;  it  is  oxidized  at  a  red  heat  when  mixed  with 
potassa  and  nitre,  forming  brown  RhO2.     When  Rh  is  mixed 
with  common  salt,  and  a  current  of  chlorine  passed  through  the 
mixture,  a  red  double  salt  is  formed,  Rh2Cl6  -f  GNaCl,  soluble 
in  water.     From  the  warm  solution,  H2S   precipitates  slowly. 
Rh2S3  insoluble  in  (NH4)2S.    When  the  solution  is  treated  with 
some  caustic  potassa  solution,  and  a  few  drops  of  alcohol  added, 

*  Oxalate  or  carbonate  of  nickel  may  also  be  employed.  It  must 
be  free  from  cobalt  (must  not  furnish  a  blue  glass  with  borax).  Ad- 
mixtures of  soda  and  lithia  do  not  interfere  with  the  reaction  if  the 
potassa  is  present  in  sufficient  quantity. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  185 

a  black  precipitate  of  metallic  rhodium  falls  at  ordinary  tem- 
perature. 

39.  RUBIDIUM. — The  oxide  rubidia,  a  very  rare  alkali,  gives 
B.  B.  a  violet  flame,  and  when  mixed  with  caesia  and  potassa, 
can  only  be  distinguished  by  spectroscopic  examination. 

40.  RUTHENIUM    is   alloyed  with    platinum,  and  found  as 
laurite,  Ru2S3,  in  the  platinum  ore  of  Borneo.     Insoluble  in 
acids.    By  fusion  with  caustic  potassa  and  chlorate  of  potassium, 
or  saltpetre,  an  orange  colored  RuO4K2  is  formed,  from  the  solu- 
tion of  which  nitric  acid  separates  black  sesquioxide.    Chlorine 
throws  down  anhydrous  RuO4.    From  the  orange  solution  of  the 
sesquioxide  in  HC1,  hydrosulphuric  acid  (which  colors  it  at  first 
blue),  throws  down  after  a  while  brown  sulpho-metal.    Sulpho- 
cyanide  of  potassium  (in  the  absence  of  other  platinum  alloys) 
causes  a  purple-red,  and,  when  heated,  a  violet  coloration. 

41.  SELENIUM  and  SELENIURETS  yield  in  the  closed  tube  at 
a  high  temperature,  a  sublimate  which  is  reddish  or  black,  and 
producing  a  red  powder,  give  off  at  the  same  time  the  odor  of 
decaying    horse-radish.      In   the  open    tube  they   evolve  the 
same  characteristic  odor,  and  yield  a  sublimate  of  selenium, 
which  near  the  assay  is  steel  gray,  and  further  off  red. 

Selenites  and  selenates  are  reduced  to  selenides  B.  B.  on 
charcoal  in  R.  F.  with  the  characteristic  odor  of  selenium. 

Selenium  is  steel-gray  with  a  faint  metallic  lustre ;  it  fuses 
very  easily;  volatilizes  with  brown  fumes,  giving  the  odor  of 
decaying  horse-radish;  is  soluble  in  bisulphide  of  carbon,  and 
imparts  B.  B.  a  blue  color  to  the  O.  F.  Consult  flame  re- 
actions, page  105. 

42.  SILICIUM,  SILICON,  or  the  oxide,  SILICA,  when  heated 
with  soda  gives  a  clear  glass,  if  the  soda  be  not  in  excess. 
This  reaction  distinguishes  silica  from  the  earths  ;  silica  may, 
however,  contain  alumina,  and  still  fuse  with  soda  to  a  clear 
glass. 

In  most  silicates  the  silica  may  be  detected  by  the  help  of 
salt  of  phosphorus.  Most  silicates,  when  added  to  a  bead  of 
that  salt  and  heated,  are  decomposed  ;  the  bases  dissolve  in  the 

1G* 


186  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

free  phosphoric  acid  without  interfering  with  its  transparency 
(unless  the  substance  is  present  in  too  large  a  quantity),  while 
the  silica,  being  almost  insoluble,  floats  as  a  translucent  spongy 
mass*  in  the  bead.  The  latter  must  be  observed  carefully 
while  hot,  since  many  silicates  form  a  glass,  which,  on  cool- 
ing, becomes  opalescent  or  turbid.  The  spongy  mass  (Kiesel- 
skelett)  consists  of  an  aggregate  of  most  minute  crystals  which 
almost  defy  a  microscopical  determination.  According  to  a 
great  many  experiments,  however,  they  possess  the  crystal- 
line form  of  tridynrite,  which  is  hexagonal,  the  crystals  being 
tabular,  formed  by  the  prism  and  basal  plane.  They  consist  of 
pure  silica,  like  quartz. f 

When  a  finely  powdered  silicate  is  fused  with  an  excess  of 
carbonate  of  sodium,  the  resulting  mass  dissolved  in  dilute  HC1, 
and  evaporated  to  dryness,  the  silica  is  rendered  insoluble  ;  and 
on  moistening  the  residue  with  strong  HC1,  and  dissolving  it 
in  hot  water,  all  the  silica  will  remain  behind;  and  can  be 
separated  from  the  bases  by  filtration  and  washing. 

Most  of  the  hydrous  silicates,  and  many  which  are  anhy- 
drous, but  which  contain  an  excess  of  base,  are  decomposed  by 
strong  HC1,  the  bases  uniting  with  the  HC1.  while  the  silica 
separates,  either  as  a  gelatinous  hydrate,  or  as  a  non-gelatinous 
powder. 

43.  SILVER — This  metal  is  easily  recognized  by  its  physical 
characters,  as  also  by  the  brown  coating  it  gives  when  heated 
in  O.  F.  on  charcoal.  When  combined  with  easily  oxidizable 
metals,  it  may  be  separated  by  heating  on  charcoal  in  O.  F. 
If  silver  be  associated  with  a  large  quantity  of  lead  or  bismuth, 
it  is  best  to  subject  it  to  cupellation.  The  following  process 
serves  for  .its  complete  separation  from  most  argentiferous  ores. 
The  finely  powdered  substance  is  mixed  with  an  equal  bulk  of 
borax  glass,  and  an  excess  of  pure  granulated  lead  (except  in 

*  Kieselskelett,  Germ. 

f  J.  Landauer's  Lothrohranalyse,  2d  ed.  Berlin,  1881,  p.  95.  See 
also  "  Tridyinite,"  p.  260,  in  E.  S.  Dana's  Text-book  of  Mineralogy, 
New  York,  1877. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  187 

cases  where  lead  or  its  oxide  already  exists,  as  in  litharge,  mi- 
nium, cerussite).  The  mixture  is  placed  in  a  cylindrical  cavity 
of  the  coal,  and  fused  in  R.  F.  with  Fletcher's  blowpipe,  Fig. 
91,  after  the  earthy  matters  have  been  dissolved,  and  the 
metallic  particles  united  into  one  globule  ;  this  latter  is  subjected 
for  a  short  time  to  the  O.  F.,  thereby  separating  volatile  and 
easily oxidizable  substances  that  maybe  present.  The" remain- 
ing globule,  containing  a  large  excess  of  lead  and  all  the  silver, 
together  with  the  larger  portion  of  the  nickel  and  copper,  is 
then  separated  from  the  flux  mechanically,  and  subjected  to 
cupellation. 

For  this  purpose  finely  pulverized  bone-ash  is  mixed  with  a 
small  quantity  of  soda  and  made  into  a  stiff  paste  with  water. 
This  paste  is  placed  in  a  circular  cavity  in  charcoal,  half  an 
inch  in  diameter,  and  one  quarter  inch  deep,  and  the  surface 
of  it  made  concave  and  smooth  by  pressing  it  with  an  agate 
pestle,  or  any  other  suitable  convex  surface.  This  cupel  is  now 
carefully  exposed  to  a  gentle  heat  till  perfectly  dry.  These  cap- 
sules may  be  bought  ready-made.  The  lead  globule  freed  from 
adhering  flux  is  then  placed  upon  the  cupel  and  exposed  to 
O.  F.  Should  much  nickel  and  copper  be  present  an  infusible 
coating  is  formed  which  prevents  the  desired  oxidation  ;  this 
may  be  counteracted  by  the  addition  of  a  small  quantity  of 
lead.  The  blast  is  kept  up  until  all  traces  of  lead  have  become 
oxidized  ;  this  is  indicated  by  the  cessation  of  the  rainbow 
colors  of  the  oxide  of  lead  which  play  over  the  surface  of  the 
globule.  When  the  quantity  of  litharge  that  is  formed  in  the 
process  of  cupellation  is  large,  the  globule  of  silver,  still  con- 
taining lead,  may  be  removed  to  a  fresh  cupel  and  there  finally 
refined.  The  instant  when  the  last  traces  of  lead  disappear  is 
then  readily  perceived  by  the  sudden  brightening  of  the 
globule.  The  remaining  metal,  when  freed  from  gold,  has  a 
silver-white  color.  It  may  be  tested  for  gold  as  described 
under  that  metal.  See,  also,  cupellation  of  silver  and  gold, 
page  165. 

In  the  wet  way  silver  is  determined,  in  almost  all  cases,  as 


188  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

chloride  of  silver,  AgCl,  and  separated  from  other  metals ;  its 
insolubility  in  acids  and  solubility  in  ammonia  distinguish  it 
readily  from  all  the  other  chlorides  which  are  insoluble,  or  with 
difficulty  soluble.  Some  metals,  such  as  zinc,  iron,  and  copper, 
the  protosulphate  of  iron  (or,  perhaps  better,  the  prot-acetate 
of  iron),  stannous  chloride,  sulphurous  acid,  and  many  organic 
compounds,  precipitate  metallic  silver  from  its  solutions. 

44.  SODIUM — It  is  readily  distinguished,  even  in  compound 
substances,  by  the  intense  yellow  color  it  imparts  to  the  outer 
blowpipe  flame.  The  sodium  flame  is  invisible  when  observed 
through  cobalt-blue  glass,  and  red  glass  ;  with  green  glass  it  is 
orange  colored  (sensitive  reaction).  Sodium  is  not  precipitated 
by  platinic  chloride,  since  it  forms  a  compound  soluble  in  water, 
alcohol,  and  ether.  Indeed,  nearly  all  its  salts  are  soluble,  ex- 
cept pyroantimoniate  of  sodium,  NaaH8SbaO7  -f-  6H2O.*  Pyro- 
antimoniate  of  potassium,  which  is  soluble,  is  hence  the  only 
reagent  that  precipitates  soda  from  its  solutions,  as  a  white 
compound,  of  the  above-mentioned  composition,  viz  : — 
K2H2Sb2O7  -f  2NaCl  =  Na2H2Sb2O7  +  2KC1. 

It  must  be  precipitated  from  a  neutral,  or  feebly  alkaline 
solution.  Alkaline  solutions  must  be  neutralized  with  dilute 
hydrochloric  or  acetic  acid  ;  acid  solutions  with  caustic  potassa 
(not  ammonia). 

Compare  flame  reactions. 

*  Prof.  N.  Menschutkin's  Analytische  Chemie.  German  edition 
of  Dr.  0.  Bach,  page  32.  Fremy,  the  discoverer  of  this  salt,  calls 
it  metantimoniate  of  sodium,  which,  according  toMenschutkin,  is  not  cor- 
rect. This  author  considers  antimonic  acid  in  some  respects  analo- 
gous to  phosphoric  acid,  viz  : — 

Phosphoric  acid  =  PH/)4. 

Pyrophosphoric  acid  =  2PH304  —  H20  =  P2H407. 

Metaphosphoric  acid  =  PH304  —  H20  =  PH03. 

Antimonic  acid  =  ShH304 

Pyroantimonic  acid  =  2SbH304  —  H20  =  Sb2II407. 

Metantimonic  acid  =  SbH304—  H20  =  SbIlO3. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  189 

45.  STRONTIUM Strontium    compounds    color   the    flame 

crimson.     In  the  presence  of  barium  the  crimson  color  appears 
at  the  moment  when  the  substance,  moistened  with  HC1,  is  first 
brought  into   the  flame.     The  paler,  yellowish-red   flame    of 
calcium  is  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  the  strontium  flame.     Con- 
sult flame-colors,  p.  104  et  seq. 

In  solubility ',  most  compounds  of  strontium  closely  resemble 
those  of  barium,  the  hydrate  being  a  little  less  soluble,  and  the 
sulphate  and  chromate  more  soluble  in  water  than  the  corre- 
sponding barium  compounds,  and  the  silico-fluoride  quite 
soluble.  The  chloride  is  soluble,  the  nitrate  insoluble,  in  ab- 
solute alcohol  (100  per  cent.). 

Strontium  sulphate  (SrSO4),  like  barium  sulphate,  is  almost 
insoluble  in  concentrated  solution  of  ammonium  sulphate,  while 
sulphate  of  calcium  is  soluble,  and  may  thus  be  separated.  A 
saturated  solution  of  calcium  sulphate  (CaSO4)  slowly  pro- 
duces a  faint  precipitate  of  SrSO4  (prevented,  or  dissolved,  by 
the  presence  of  HC1,  and  HN03),  but  quite  insoluble  in  alcohol. 

An  aqueous  solution  of  calcium  sulphate  (gypsum)  may  be 
the  simple  means  to  distinguish  calcium,  barium,  and  strontium 
salts,  when  soluble  in  water.  No  precipitate  will  be  formed  if 
•lime  is  present,  while  a  baryta  solution  will  at  once  be  rendered 
turbid,  or  afford  a  precipitate,  and  strontia  gives  a  faint  pre- 
cipitate after  some  time  only.  An  addition  of  alcohol,  how- 
ever, throws  down  completely  sulphate  of  strontium  and  sulphate 
of  calcium. 

46.  SULPHUR — Free  sulphur  fuses  and  forms  a  yellow  sub- 
limate in  the  closed  tube.     In  an  open  tube,  or  on  charcoal,  it 
burns,  yielding  sulphurous  acid,  SO2.     The  higher  sulphides 
(sulphurets)  give  off  sulphur  in  the  closed  tube;    the  neutral 
sulphides  and  subsulphides  give  off  sulphurous  acid  gas  when 
heated  in  the  open  tube,  recognizable  by  its  odor  and  the  red- 
dening of  moist  blue  litmus  paper.     Sulphur  is  soluble  in  bisul- 
phide of  carbon,  benzine,  and  turpentine. 

In  the  investigation  B.  B.  of  sulphur-compounds,  a  lamp  or 
candle-flame  should  be  employed,  since  ordinary  coal  gas 


190  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

often  contains  considerable  quantities  of  sulphur.  The  sulphur 
in  sulphides  an<d  sulphates  may  be  detected  B.  B.  by  fusing 
small  quantities  on  coal  with  two  or  three  parts  of  soda  in  the 
R.  F.  The  sulphur  is  hereby  converted  into  sulphide  of 
sodium,  which  when  placed  on  blank  silver-foil,  or  on  a  bright 
silver  coin,  and  moistened  with  a  drop  of  water,  yields  sulphu- 
retted hydrogen,  which  blackens  the  silver,  and  also  test-paper 
containing  acetate  of  lead.  If  selenium  is  present,  the  reaction 
cannot  be  used. 

The  following  delicate  test  in  the  wet  way,  given  by  von 
Kobell,  answers  well  in  most  cases:  A  small  quantity  of  the 
powdered  mineral  sample,  and  an  equal  volume  of  iron  powder* 
(Ferrum  pulveratum,  or  alcoholizatum  of  the  druggist)  are 
put  with  a  spatula  into  a  glass  cylinder  2^  inches  high  and 
1  inch  in  diameter,  and  barely  covered  with  hydrochloric  acid 
(1  vol.  cone,  acid  and  1  vol.  of  water).  A  strip  of  filtering 
paper,  previously  dipped  into  sugar-of-lead  solution  and  dried, 
is  fastened  to  a  cork,  and  the  mouth  of  the  cylinder  closed  with 
it.  In  about  one  minute  the  paper  appears  blackened  by  the 
sulphide  of  lead  thus  formed,  if  any  sulphur  is  present.  All 
those  compounds  giving  any  distinct  sulphur  reactions,  react 
also  hepatic  with  iron  powder.  A  dilute  solution  of  ammonium 
molybdate  with  an  excess  of  hydrochloric  acid  is  colored  fine 
blue  by  a  small  quantity  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  or  of  sulphides 
dissolved  in  water.  One  of 'the  most  sensitive  tests  for  sulphur 
(in  the  presence  of  an  alkaline  hydrate)  is  that  of  Prof.  J.  D. 
Dana.  Heat  B.  B.  in  the  R.  F.  any  sulphide  or  sulphate,  or  any 
powdered  mineral  assay  containing  sulphur,  upon  charcoal 
with  Sd.  Put  the  fused  mass  into  a  watch-glass,  moisten  with 
a  drop  of  water,  and  add  a  particle  of  a  crystal,  not  larger  than 
a  pin's  head,  of  the  sodium  nitroprusside  (or  of  the  correspond- 
ing potassium  salt)  ;  there  will  be  a  magnificent  purple  color 
displayed  at  once,  but  disappearing  after  some  time.  Vapors 

*  Iron  filings,  free  from  rust,  are  pounded  in  an  iron  mortar  ;    first 
sifted  through  a  fine  sieve,  and  afterwards  through  linen. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  191 

are  tested  for  hydrosulphuric  acid  (H2S)  by  conducting  them 
into  an  ammoniacal  solution  of  sodium  nitroprusside.* 

A  glass  made  B.  B.  of  eoda  and  silica  becomes  red,  or  orange, 
when  sulphur  is  present. 

When  soda  is  fused  on  charcoal  in  the  R.  F.  with  any  com- 
pound of  sulphur  (sulphide  or  sulphate),  sulphide  of  sodium  is 
produced,  and,  if  much  sulphur  is  present  in  the  sample,  the 
fused  mass  will  show  the  characteristic  color  of  "hepar" 
(Hepar  sulphuris,  or  liver  of  sulphur),  being;  an  old  term  for 
the  higher  sulphides  of  the  alkalies,  having  a  liver-brown 
color. 

47.  TANTALUM — See  Columbium  (Niobium),  §  72,  p.  144. 

48.  TELLURIUM 1.  Tellurides,  heated  in  the  open  glass 

tube,  give  a  white  or  gray  sublimate,  fusible  B.  B.  into  color- 
less, or  nearly  colorless,  drops.    On  charcoal,  they  give  a  white 
coating,  and  color  the  R.  F.  green-blue. 

2.  When  a  compound  containing  tellurium  is  triturated  with 
soda  and  charcoal  dust  and  fused  in  a  closed  tube,  then  allowed 
to  cool,  and  a  little  hot  water  dropped  into  the  tube,  the  water 
assumes  a  beautiful  purple  color,  owing  to  the  dissolved  tellur- 
ide  of  sodium. 

3.  Tellurium  compounds,  when  gently  heated  in  a  mattrass 
with  an  excess  of  cone,  sulphuric  acid,  impart  to  it  a  purple 

*  If  this  test  for  sulphur  is  made  with  any  organic  substance,  as 
pairings  of  nails,  hair,  albumen,  etc.,  the  carbonate  of  sodium  should  be 
mixed  with  a  little  starch-powder,  which  appears  to  prevent  the  loss 
of  any  of  the  sulphur  by  oxidation.  On  winding  up  a  hair  four  inches 
long,  by  coiling  it  around  one  point  of  a  platinum  support,  moistening 
it  and  dipping  it  into  the  mixture  of  carbonate  of  soda  with  starch, 
and  then  heating  by  the  blowpipe,  the  fused  mass  will  give  with  the 
nitro-prusside  an  unmistakable  action  indicative  of  sulphnr.  By 
careful  management  perfectly  satisfactory  results  may  be  obtained 
from  a  piece  of  hair  less  than  an  inch  long.  For  theoretical  deduc- 
tions concerning  nitro-ferricyanides  or  nitro-prussides,  consult  Qualitative 
Chemical  Analysis,  by  Professors  Douglass  and  Prescott,  3d  edition, 
1880,  pp.  187  and  196. 


192  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

color,  which  disappears  on  the  addition  of  water,  when  a  black- 
ish-gray precipitate  is  formed. 

Consult  Bunsen's  flame  reactions,  p.  Ill  et  seq. 

49.  TIN — In  the  metallic  state,  tin  is  recognized  by  its  pecu- 
liar physical  properties.  In  nature  it  is  found  only  as  an  oxide, 
SnO0  (cassiterite).  B.  B.  oxide  of  tin  is  slowly  dissolved  by 
borax  to  a  transparent  glass,  which  is  transparent  on  cool- 
ing. With  soda  or  cyanide  of  potassium  on  charcoal  it  is  easily 
reduced  ;  and  if  borax  also  be  added,  a  very  minute  quantity  of 
tin  may  be  detected  when  present  in  other  minerals. 

Sulphides  containing  tin  must  first  be  roasted,  and  the 
roasted  mass  treated  with  a  mixture  of  soda  and  borax  in  R.  F., 
the  product  is  bright  metallic  tin,  which  can  be  further  tested. 
On  Ch.  in  the  O.  F.  it  forms  oxide,  that  "  glows"  strongly, 
appears  yellowish  while  hot,  but  becoming,  on  cooling,  dirty  yel- 
lowish-white. Exposed  to  the  R.  F.  the  molten  metal  retains 
it  bright  aspect. 

Tin  dissolves  in  cone.  HC1  with  evolution  of  hydrogen,  forming 
stannous  chloride,  SnCl2,  corresponding  to  stannous  oxide  SnO  ; 
in  cone,  aqua  regia.it  is  easily  dissolved  to  stannic  chloride,  SnCl4 ; 
in  cold  nitric  acid,  or  dilute  aqua  regia,  without  evolution  of 
gas,  but  with  formation  of  ammonium  salts,  to  stannous  oxide  or 
stannous  chloride,  viz.,  Sn  -f  4NO3H  —  Sn(OH)4  -{-  4NO2,  or 
Sn  +  9HC1-+  NO3H  =  4SnCl2  +  NH4C1  -f  3H20.  Cone, 
sulphuric  acid  dissolves  it  with  evolution  of  SO2,  to  stannous 
sulphate,  SO48n.  Of  the  stannous  salts,  the  chloride,  SnCl2, 
is  the  most  in  use,  soluble  in  water  and  HC1,  absorbing  oxygen 
in  the  air,  and  separating  oxide,  or  oxy-chloride.  H2S  pre- 
cipitates, from  neutral  and  acid  solutions,  brown  stannous  sul- 
phide, SnS,  scarcely  soluble  in  ordinary  (NH4)2S,  but  more 
readily  soluble  in  yellow  sulphide  of  ammonium.  Alkaline 
supersulphides,  whereby  ammonio— stannic  sulphide — SnS3 
(NH4)2  is  formed,  from  the  solutions  of  which  acids  throw  down 
yellow  stannic  sulphide,  viz  : — 

1.  SnS  +  (NH4),S2  =  SnS3(NH4)2. 

2.  SnS3(NH4)3  -f  2HC1  =  SnS2  +  2NH4C1  -f  H2S. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  193 

Stannous  salts  are  oxidized  to  stannic  salts  by  many  oxidiz- 
ing reagents.  They  are  themselves  powerful  reducing  agents. 

Stannic  oxide,  or  anhydride,  forms  two  well-marked  hydrates 
or  acids :  stannic  acid,  H2SnO3,  and  metastannic  acid, 
H10Sn5O15  (variable).  Stannic  acid  is  formed  by  precipitating 
stannic  salts  with  alkalies ;  metastannic  acid,  by  the  action  of 
nitric  acid  on  tin.  Stannic  acid  is  insoluble  in  water,  but  it 
readily  forms  soluble  stannic  salts  with  HC1,  H2SO4,  and 
HNO3 ;  and  also  soluble  alkaline  stannates  with  the  alkaline 
hydrates;  other  stannates  being  insoluble.  Metastannic  acid  is 
insoluble  in  acids,  and  does  not  form  metastannates. 

The  stannic  oxide,  hydrate,  sulphide,  and  phosphate  are  in- 
soluble in  water. 

The  alkaline  hydrates,  carbonates,  and  barium  carbonate, 
precipitate,  from  solutions  of  stannic  salts,  stannic  acid, 
H2SnO3,  which  is  white,  and  soluble  in  an  excess  of  fixed  alka- 
line hydrates  and  carbonates,  but  insoluble  in  ammonium  hy- 
drate and  carbonate  (distinctive  from  antimony),  e.  g.,  SnCl4-f- 
4KOH  —  H2SnO3  +  4KC1  +  H2O. 

Copper  and  tin  are  separated  by  strong  nitric  acid  until  all 
the  metal  is  oxidized,  the  whole  evaporated,  to  get  rid  of  most 
of  the  acid,  hot  water  added,  when  all  the  stannic  oxide  (and  a 
trace  of  copper)  can  be  filtered  off;  from  the  filtrate  copper  can 
be  thrown  down  with  caustic  potassa  at  a  boiling  heat  as  black 
oxide.  Should  lead,  zinc,  and  iron  be  present  at  the  same 
time,  we  proceed  as  follows  :  after  the  stannic  oxide  has  been 
removed,  we  separate  the  lead  with  sulphuric  acid ;  the  copper 
is  precipitated  from  the  acid  solution  by  H2S  ;  zinc  and  iron 
are  separated  by  boiling  with  acetate  of  soda,  or  by  adding  an 
excess  of  ammonia,  when  the  iron  is  precipitated.  From  the 
solution  zinc  is  thrown  down  by  (NH4),S,  or  in  the  absence 
of  ammoniacal  salts  by  carbonate  of  sodium  at  a  boiling  tem- 
perature. 

Tin  from  Bismuth — To  a  strong  HC1  solution  of  the  two 
metals,  add  an  excess  of  water,  when  an  insoluble  white  pre- 
17 


194  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

cipitate  of  oxychloride  of  bismuth  is  produced.  The  tin  will 
remain  in  solution. 

Tin  from  Antimony — Advantage  is  taken  of  the  solubility 
of  the  sulphides  of  tin  in  oxalic  acid.  From  the  solution  of 
the  two  metals  the  sulphides  are  precipitated  in  the  usual  man- 
ner, oxalic  acid  added  in  great  excess,  ^'.  e.,  20  grammes  of  the 
reagent  for  every  gramme  of  tin,  so  that  the  acid  will  crystal- 
lize out  in  the  cold.  Then  heat  to  boiling,  and  pass  in  H2S  for 
about  twenty  minutes.  No  precipitate  appears  at  first ;  but  as 
soon  as  the  liquid  is  saturated  with  the  gas  the  sulphide  of  an- 
timony begins  to  fall,  and,  in  a  very  few  moments,  is  com- 
pletely thrown  down. 

When  a  neutral  solution  of  salts  of  tin  acidulated  with  some 
HC1  is  brought  in  contact  with  metallic  zinc,  metallic  tin  is 
thrown  down  in  the  form  of  scales,  or  as  a  gray  spongy  mass. 
When  this  reaction  is  carried  on  upon  platinum  foil,  no  black 
spot  is  produced,  which  is  the  case  when  a  salt  of  antimony  is 
thus  treated. 

50.  SEPARATION  OF  As,  Sb,  Sn The  metals  are  precipi- 
tated as  sulphides  from  an  acid  solution  and  redissolved  in 
(NH4)2S  (to  separate  them  from  metals  not  precipitated  from 
acid  solutions  and  not  soluble  in  (NH4)2S  if  present),  then  HC1 
is  added,  when  a  yellow  precipitate  falls  ;  the  mixture  is  slightly 
heated,  the  sulphides  filtered  off  and  washed.  The  mixture  of 
sulphides  is  gradually  and  slightly  heated  with  cone.  HC1;  the 
yellow  residue  is  sulphide  of  arsenic,  the  filtered  solution  con- 
tains Sn  and  Sb. 

The  yellow  As2S3*  is  dissolved  in  cone.  HC1  with  addition 
of  KC1O3,  the  solution  saturated  with  NH3  in  excess,  NH4C1 
and  MgSO4  added;  precipitate  Mg(NHJAsO4.  For  further 
confirmation  the  precipitate  is  filtered  off,  and,  after  washing,  a 
portion  of  it  is  dissolved  in  nitric  acid,  neutralized  with  ammo- 
nia, and  treated  "with  AgNO3,  forming  brownish-red  Ag3AsO4, 
which  is  soluble  in  ammonia  and  nitric  acid. 

*  H2S  precipitates  the  arsenic  from  an  acid  solution  always  as 
As2S3 ;  but  by  the  treatment  with  yellow  (NH4)2S  it  passes  into 

As2S5. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  195 

51.  TITANIUM Compounds  of  titanic   acid  treated   with 

S.  Ph.  B.  B.  dissolve  in  the  O.  F.  to  a  clear  bead,  pale-yellow 
when  hot,  and  colorless  when  cold.     The  strong   R.  F.  now 
turns  the  bead  yellow  while  hot,  reddisli  when  cooling,  and 
violet  when  cold  (titanous  oxide).     If  iron  is  present,  the  cold 
bead  is  brownish-yellow  to  brownish-red,  and  the  violet  color 
only  appears  when  the  bead  is  acted  upon  with  tin,  in  the  R.  F. 
on  charcoal.     An  excess  of  iron  interferes  with  the  reaction. 

2.  Ignition  in  the  O.  F.  on  charcoal  with  soda  does  not  re- 
duce titanic  acid  to  the  metallic  state  (distinction  from  tin). 

3.  If  a  substance  containing  titanium  is  fused  with  carbonate 
of  sodium,  and  the  product  obtained  is  dissolved  in  HC1,  and 
then  heated  with  metallic  tin  or  zinc,  the  titanic  acid  is  reduced 
to  sesquioxide  of  titanium,  coloring  the  liquid  blue  or  violet,  and 
finally  the  violet  hydrated  sesquioxide  separates  as  a  powder, 
retaining  its  color. 

4.  When  the  powdered  mineral  containing  titanic  acid  is 
fused  with  6  to  8  parts  of  the  bisulphate  of  potassium,  and  the 
mass  dissolved  in  very  little  water,  then  a  few  drops  of  water 
added,  and  next  5  or  6  volumes  more  of  water,  and  the  mixture 
is  then  boiled,  a  white  precipitate  results  (titanic  acid)  which 
may  be  further  examined  with  salt  of  phosphorus,  etc. 

Native  titanic  acid  (Rutile)  is  finely  pulverized  and  fused 
with  4  parts  of  its  weight  of  alkaline  carbonate.  The  mass,  when 
treated  with  water  deposits  crystalline  acid,  titanate  of  the  alkali 
remaining  along  with  the  iron.  This  should  be  digested  with 
cone.  HC1,  and  the  diluted  solution  boiled  with  sulphite  of 
sodium,  when  the  titanic  acid  will  be  precipitated ;  or  we  may 
precipitate  with  sulphide  of  ammonium,  and  pour  sulphurous 
acid  solution  over  the  precipitated  mixture,  when  the  sulphide 
of  iron  is  dissolved  out,  and  the  titanic  acid  left  as  a  white 
powder. 

52.  TUNGSTEN  (  Wolframium) — This  is  found  in  the  minerals 
Wolframite  (Fe,Mn)WO4;  in  Scheelite,  CaWO4;  Cuprotungs- 
tite,    Cu2WO5+aq;    Stolzite    PbWO4.     B.  B.  the   oxides  of 
tungsten  impart  to  the  bead  of  salt  of  phosphorus  in  the  R.  F. 


196  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

at  first  a  dirty  green,  and  then  a  blue  color  when  cold  (if  iron 
is  present  the  bead  appears  blood-red).  With  tin  the  bead,  in 
the  presence  of  iron,  turns  also  blue  or  green. 

The  metal  resembles  iron,  is  brittle,  and  with  difficulty 
fusible.  Treated  with  nitric  acid,  or  aqua  regia,  it  is  converted 
into  anhydrous  tungstic  trioxide,  WO3,  which  is  a  yellow  pow- 
der, insoluble  in  water  and  acids,  but  soluble  in  caustic  alka- 
lies ;  when  it  is  feebly  heated  (to  250°  C.)  and  a  current  of  hy- 
drogen gas  passed  over  it,  it  turns  to  blue  oxide,  i.  e.,  tungstic 
trioxide  combined  with  tungstic  dioxide,  2WO3-f  WO2,  at  a 
dull-red  heat  it  forms  brown  tungstic  dioxide,  WO2. 

When  a  tungstate  is  fused  with  carbonate  of  sodium,  and 
treated  with  hydrochloric  acid  and  zinc,  a  beautifql  blue  color 
is  obtained  (reduction  to  W2O6=WO3+  WO2).  When  a  tungs- 
tate is  fused  with  bisulphate  of  potassium,  and  the  fused  mass, 
consisting  of  tungstate  of  potassium,  K2WO4,  and  free  tungstic 
acid,  is  treated  with  water,  some  of  it  is  dissolved,  especially  in 
the  presence  of  carbonate  of  ammonium  (distinction  from  silicic 
acid).  When  a  finely  powdered  tungstate  is  treated  with  cone, 
hydrochloric  acid,  and  a  little  nitric  acid  is  added,  yellow  tung- 
stic acid  remains  undissolved,  but  this  is  readily  taken  up  by 
ammonia,  and  this  solution,  mixed  with  hydrochloric  acid  and 
zinc,  assumes  a  blue  color. 

Tungstic  acid  and  tungstates.  Two  modifications  of  tungstic 
acid  exist,  termed  normal  and  metatungstic  acid;  and  the 
tungstates  may  likewise  be  divided  into  two  corresponding 
classes,  the  ordinary  or  normal  tungstates  and  the  meta- 
tungstates. 

Tungstic  acid,  H2WO4.  When  a  solution  of  a  tungstate  is 
precipitated  in  the  cold,  a  white  precipitate  is  thrown  down, 
consisting  of  hydrated  tungstic  acid,  H2WO4  -f  H2O.  This  is 
soluble  in  water,  has  a  bitter  taste,  and  reddens  blue  litmus 
paper. 

Metatungstic  acid,  H2W4O13-f  7H2O.  For  this  purpose  the 
barium  salt  is  decomposed  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  or  the  lead 
salt  with  hydrosulphuric  acid.  The  acid  crystallizes  in  small 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  197 

yellow  octohedrons.  The  salts  are  readily  soluble  in  water. 
When  the  solution  is  concentrated  by  boiling,  a  white  hydrate 
is  deposited,  and  afterwards  the  trioxide  separates. 

With  chlorine,  tungsten  forms  four  compounds,  viz: — 

Tungsten  dichloride,        WC12. 

Tungsten  tetrachloride,    WC14. 

Tungsten  pentachloride,  WC16. 

Tungsten  hexachloride,    WC16. 

A  characteristic  reaction  is  the  following :  When  a  tung- 
state  is  fused  with  carbonate  of  sodium,  the  mass  dissolved  in 
HC1,  and  the  solution  boiled  with  metallic  zinc,  it  becomes 
intensely  blue,  but  fades  entirely  on  dilution  with  water.  A 
small  amount  of  tungstic  acid  is  detected  thus  :  The  assay  is 
fused  with  five  parts  of  soda,  the  mass  extracted  with  water, 
and  HC1  added,  when  the  tungstic  acid,  insoluble  in  acid,  falls 
in  the  form  of  a  white  powder.  The  precipitate  turns  yellow 
by  boiling,  is  insoluble  in  an  excess  of  acid  (distinction  from 
molybdic  acid),  but  soluble  in  ammonia.  This  solution,  pre- 
viously acidified,  yields  with  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  a  deep- 
brown  solution,  and  after  some  time  a  precipitate  of  the  same 
color  falls.  With  nitrate  of  silver  it  gives  a  white,  with  stan- 
nous  chloride  (SnCl2),  a  yellow  precipitate,  which  appears  fine 
blue  when  the  solution  was  previously  acidulated  wtih  HC1. 
(Laudauer.) 

The  mineral  wolfram  (tungstic  acid,  iron,  and  manganese), 
the  author  found  (confirming  Dana's  experience)  to  be  suffici- 
ently decomposable  by  boiling  cone,  sulphuric  acid  to  give  a 
colorless  solution,  which,  treated  with  metallic  zinc,  becomes 
intensely  blue,  like  Prussian  blue,  the  color  lasting  several 
hours. 

53.  URANIUM — The  reactions  B.  B.  with  borax  and  salt  of 
phosphorus  lead  to  its  detection.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  it 
dissolves  to  a  clear  yellow  glass,  turning  to  a  greenish-yellow 
when  cold.  In  R.  F.  acted  upon,  this  gJass  assumes  a  dirty- 
green  color  when  hot,  but  a  beautiful  green  when  cold. 

17* 


198  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Treated  upon  charcoal  with  tin,  tin's  color  becomes  a  darker 
green.  Uranium  occurs  chiefly  in  the  minerals  pitchblende  and 
uranite.  It  combines  with  oxygen  in  several  proportions,*  viz., 
Uranium  dioxide  UrO2,  and  trioxide  UrO3,  and  these  combine 
to  form  intermediate  oxides,  e.  g.,  Ur3O8=  UrO2  +  2UrO3 — 
UrO2  is  basic,  while  UrO3  is  an  acid-forming  oxide. 

Uranous  dioxide,  UrO2,  is  obtained  by  heating  the  uranos- 
uranic  oxide  or  uranic  oxalate  in  a  current  of  hydrogen.  It 
forms  a  brown  or  brick-red  pyrophoric  powder.  When  heated 
in  the  air  it  takes  fire  and  is  converted  into  Ur3Og.  It  dis- 
solves in  strong  acids,  forming  green  uranous  salts.  Uranous 
hydroxide  is  precipitated  in  reddish-brown  flakes,  which  become 
black  on  ebullition,  by  adding  an  alkali  to  a  uranous  solution. 
It  dissolves  easily  in  dilute  acids,  while  the  calcined  oxide  is 
soluble  only  with  difficulty. 

Uranium  tetrachloride,  or  uranous  chloride,  UrCl4.  It  is 
best  prepared  by  passing  chlorine  over  an  intimate  mixture  of 
charcoal  and  any  of  the  oxides  of  uranium,  strongly  heated  in 
a  tube  of  hard  glass.  It  crystalizes  in  fine  dark-green  regular 
octachedrons,  volatilizing  in  red  \apors.  Dissolves  in  water, 
forming  an  emerald-green  solution.  Caustic  alkali  throws 
down  uranous  hydrate. 

Uranic  trioxide,  UrO3  or  uranyl  oxidef  (UrO2)0.  As  an 
anhydride  it  is  brick-red  ;  as  hydroxide,  yellow.  Reactions  of 
the  trioxide  salts  dissolve  in  water  with  a  yellow  color. 

Uranic  sulphate,  Ur02SO4  -f  3Aq,  is  obtained  by  heating 
the  nitrate  with  sulphuric  acid. 

Uranic  nitrate,  UrO2(NO3)2  -f-  6Aq,  is  prepared  by  dissolv- 
ing any  of  the  oxides  in  nitric  acid. 

*  The  atomic  weight  of  uranium  is,  according  to  the  recent  investi- 
gations of  I).  J.  Mendelejeff,  240,  while  hitherto  it  was  assumed  to  be 
120,  and,  accordingly,  the  formulae  of  the  oxygen  compounds  were 
noted  protoxide,  UrO,  sesquioxide  Ur2O3,  and  the  proto-sesquioxide, 
UrA. 

f  Peligot  regards  UrO2  as  a  compound  radical.  Uranyl,  the  tri- 
oxide being  the  oxide  of  this  radical,  and  the  hydroxide  has  the 
formula  Ur02(HO)r 


DETECTING  CERTAIN  ELEMENTS.  199 

Hydrogen  sulphide,  in  solutions  acidulated  with  HC1,  pro- 
duces no  precipitate  ;  sulphide  of  ammonium  produces  a  dark- 
brown  one  of  oxy sulphide,  UrO2S-f  H2O  somewhat  soluble  in 
an  excess,  but  quite  insoluble  in  yellow  sulphide  of  ammonium 
(containing  more  S). 

54.  URANATES — Uranyloxide  not  only  forms  the  uranyl  salts, 
but  also  unites  with  basic  metallic  oxides  to  form  the  uranates. 
Potassium  uranate  =  K2Ur2O7.    This  orange  powder  is  obtained 
by  precipitating  an  uranic  salt  with  an  excess  of  potash. 

Ammonium  uranate,  (NH4)2Ur2O7,  a  yellow  precipitate, 
obtained  with  NH3.  Carbonate  and  bicarbonate  of  potassium 
give  a  yellow  precipitate  of  the  double  carbonate,  UrO3K4(CO3)3, 
soluble  in  excess,  and  likewise  soluble  in  carbonate  of  sodium 
and  carbonate  of  ammonium.  Carbonate  of  barium  precipitates 
uranium  salts  completely  in  the  cold. 

For  a  process  for  the  extraction  of  uranium  from  pitch- 
blende, by  Wohler,  consult  Roscoe  and  Schorlemmer,  Treatise 
on  Chemistry,  vol.  ii.  pt.  ii.  p.  218. 

For  reactions  with  borax  see  table,  page  94. 

55.  VANADIUM. — Vanadates,  in  the  absence  of  other  colored 
metallic  compounds,  may  be  detected  by  their  reactions  with 
borax  and  salt  of  phosphorus  before  B.  B. 

In  the  O.  F.  with  S.  Ph.  the  bead  is  soluble  to  a  clear 
glass  which  is  dark  yellow  while  hot,  light  yellow  when  cold. 
This  bead,  when  brought  in  the  R.  F.,  assumes  a  brownish 
color  when  hot,  and  a  beautiful  chrome  green  color  when  cold. 
Distinguished  from  chromium  by  its  reaction  in  O.  F. 

Vanadium  forms  with  oxygen  a  series  of  compounds,  viz., 
the.  monoxide  V2O,  the  dioxide  V2O2,  the  trioxide  V2O3,  the 
tetroxide  V2O4,  the  pentoxide  (vanadic  acid)  V2O5.  Corres- 
ponding with  these  a  series  of  chlorides  are  known.  The 
most  important  compound,  from  an  analytical  point  of  view,  is 
vanadic  acid.  It  forms  a  reddish-yellow  powder,  fusible  at  a 
red  heat,  forming,  when  cold,  a  crystalline  mass  scarcely  soluble 
in  water,  but  easily  soluble  in  stronger  acids  and  in 'alkalies. 


200  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  vanadiates  of  the  alkalies  are  all  soluble  in  pure  water, 
but  much  less  so  in  the  presence  of  other  alkaline  salts.  Vana- 
diate  of  barium  is  insoluble ;  hydro-sulphuric  acid  H2S,  or  sul- 
phurous acid  (SO2),  reduces  an  acidulated  solution  of  V2O5  to 
dioxide  (V202),  which  latter  remains  dissolved  with  a  blue 
color.  Sulphide  of  ammonium  throws  down  a  brown  precipi- 
tate, soluble  in  an  excess  with  a  brown  color  ;  soluble  in  colorless 
sulphide  of  ammonium  or  in  sulphide  of  potassium  with  an 
intense  cherry-red  color  (the  reaction  is  very  characteristic, 
but  evanescent).  Ferrocyanide  of  potassium  produces  a  yellow 
precipitate,  which  becomes  green  on  exposure  to  the  atmos- 
phere. The  acidulated  solution  of  a  vanadiate  of  alkali,  when 
shaken  with  ether  containing  hydrogen  dioxide,  H2O2,  turns 
red.  V2O5,  when  heated  in  a  current  of  hydrogen  gas,  is 
reduced  to  V2O3.  This  same  oxide  is  formed,  as  a  soluble 
salt,  if  a  solution  of  the  pentoxide  in  sulphuric  acid  is  reduced 
by  metallic  magnesium.  The  neutral  solutions  are  brown, 
the  acid  ones  green.  All  the  lower  oxides  of  vanadium  in  an 
acid  solution  are  with  permanganate  of  potassium  oxidized  to 
vanadic  acid,  exhibiting  with  sulphide  of  ammonium  the  same 
deportment  as  that  acid  itself.  Compounds  of  vanadium  can 
be  fused  with  soda  and  saltpetre  in  a  platinum  crucible.  The 
fused  mass,  when  extracted  with  water  and  acidulated  with 
cone,  acetic  acid,  forms,  when  filtered,  upon  addition  of  nitrate 
of  silver,  a  yellow  precipitate.  When  the  fusion  is  evaporated 
with  HC1,  a  yellow  or  brownish-yellow  solution  is  obtained, 
turning  upon  addition  of  protochloride  of  tin  (stannous  chlo- 
ride) blue. 

56.  YTTRIUM — Yttria,  its  oxide,  is  found  in  the  minerals 
gadolinite,*  orthite,  yttrotantalite,  etc.  B.  B.  the  reactions 

*  Gadolinite  contains,  according  to  an  analysis  of  Bahr  and  Bun- 
sen  (Anal.  d.  Chem.  und  Phys.,  Jan.  1866),  silica  22.61,  glucina 
6.96,  sesquioxide  of  iron  4.73,  protoxide  of  iron  9.76,  yttria  34.64, 
erbia  2.93,  protoxide  of  cerium  (CeO)  2.86,  oxide  of  didymium  (DiO) 
8.38,  lanthanoxide  (LaO)  3.21,  magnesia  0.15,  lime  0.83,  soda  0.38, 
water  1.93  =  99.37. 


DETECTING    CERTAIN    ELEMENTS.  201 

of  yttria  (YO)  are  identical  with  those  of  the  oxide  of  gluci- 
num,  or  BeO  (oxide  of  berryllium).  From  its  salts  caustic 
potash,  ammonia,  and  sulphide  of  ammonium  precipitate  white 
hydrated  oxide  Y(HO)3  not  soluble  in  excess.  Sal-ammoniac 
prevents  the  reaction.  YO  is  a  strong  base,  decomposes  salts 
of  ammonia,  and  attracts  greedily  carbonic  acid  from  the  atmo- 
sphere. Carbonate  of  baryta  does  not  precipitate  it. 

Analysis  of  the  gadolinite  (silicate  of  Y,  Be,  Fe,  Mn,  Ce,  La). 
After  the  removal  of  the  silica,  oxalate  of  ammonium  removes 
from  the  neutral  solution,  in  the  presence  of  ammonia  and 
sal-ammoniac,  the  insoluble  oxalate  salts  of  Y,  Ce,  La,  while 
Be,  Fe,  Mn  remain  in  solution  as  oxalates.  The  separation  of 
Y  from  Ce  and  La  is  executed  with  cone,  neutral  sulphate  of 
potassium  solution.  The  double  sulphate,  K3Ce(SO4)3  is  but 
slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  quite  insoluble  in  sulphate  of  po- 
tassium solution,  and  the  same  is  the  case  with  the  double  sul- 
phate, K8La2(SO4)7.  Hence  these  are  precipitated,  while  from 
the  solution  the  yttrium  oxide,  YO,  is  thrown  down  by  ammonia 
and  is  determined  as  such. 

57.  ZINC -Oxide  of  zinc  with  borax  gives  a  clear  glass, 

which  is  milk-white  on  flaming;  or,  with  more  assay,  is  enamel- 
white  on  cooling.  In  the  inner  flame,  on  charcoal,  fumes  are 
given  off  and  a  white  coating  surrounds  the  assay.  With  soda 
on  charcoal  the  ores,  even  when  containing  little  zinc,  afford 
the  peculiar  bluish  flame  of  burning  zinc,  and  white  oxide  is 
deposited  on  the  coal.  With  cobalt  solution  a  green  color, 
while  tin  gives  a  bluish-green. 

From  solutions  of  zinc  all  the  alkali  hydrates,  including  am- 
monia, precipitate  white  hydrate  of  zinc,  Zn(OH)3  soluble  in 
an  excess. 

Hydrosulphuric  acid  precipitates  a  part  of  the  zinc  from 
neutral  solution  of  its  salts  with  mineral  acids,  and  the  whole 
from  the  acetate  («'.  <?.,  sulphide  of  zinc  is  not  soluble  in  acetic 
acid).  Alkali  sulphides — as  sulphide  of  ammonium  (NH4)2S — 
throw  down  all  the  zinc  as  sulphide,  both  from  its  salts  with 
acids,  and  from  its  soluble  combinations  with  alkalies.  Pure 
sulphide  of  zinc  is  white. 


202  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

58.  ZIRCONIA  occurs  in  nature  in  the  zircons  or  jargons. 
B.  B.  infusible,  when  strongly  heated  a  very  brilliant  light  is 
given  out. 

It  forms  only  one  compound  with  oxygen,  viz.,  ZrO2,  which 
yields  salts  with  acids,  the  sulphate  is  with  difficulty  soluble ; 
the  chloride,  ZrCl4,  is  volatile.  Fluoride  of  zirconium  is  solu- 
ble in  water  (distinctive  from  thorium)  and  yields  with  fluoride 
of  potassium  a  double  salt,  K2ZrFl6,  with  difficulty  soluble  in 
water.  ZrO2,  fused  with  soda,  liberates  CO2,  forming  a  scarcely 
soluble  sodium  compound,  the  composition  of  which  differs. 
The  simplest  Na4ZrO4  is  produced  by  the  action  of  an  excess 
of  soda. 

Reactions  of  zirconium  salts  : — 

Caustic  alkalies,  ammonia,  and  sulphide  of  ammonium,  throw 
down  hydroxide,  Zr(OH)4,  not  soluble  in  an  excess  of  caustic 
alkalies  and  in  sal-ammoniac  (distinction  from  alumina  and 
glucina),  but  soluble  in  carbonate  of  ammonium.  Zr(OH)  4ob- 
tained  in  the  cold  is  easily  soluble  in  acids,  that  produced  at  a 
higher  temperature,  or  the  ignited  oxide,  is  with  difficulty 
•soluble  (requiring  two  parts  of  cone,  sulphuric  acid  to  one  of 
water). 

The  carbonate  of  zirconium  is  soluble  in  carbonate  of  ammo- 
nium, separating  again  by  boiling.  Neutral  sulphate  of  potas- 
sium precipitates  white  K4Zr(SO4)4,  insoluble  in  an  excess, 
but  soluble  in  cold  HOI  (difference  from  Th,  Ce).  The  pre- 
cipitated salt  furnished  at  a  higher  temperature  is  insoluble  in 
HC1. 

Oxalic  acid  yields  an  oxalate  insoluble  in  an  excess  but 
soluble  in  HC1  and  in  oxalate  of  ammonium  (difference  from 
thorium).  Analysis  of  zircon:  SiO4Zr,  is  fused  with  soda. 
The  mass  is  treated  with  water,  which  dissolves  silicate  of  sodium, 
and  leaves  behind  a  crystalline  powder  of  zirconia-sodium, 
which,  after  washing  with  more  water,  is  dissolved  in  HC1, 
from  which  solution  NH3  throws  down  Zr(OH)4.  From  oxide 
of  iron,  zirconia  is  separated  with  oxalic  acid  or  sulphite  of 
sodium. 


FUSION    AND    FLUXING.  203 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

FUSION  AND  FLUXING. 

THE  term  "fusion"  is  applied  to  the  conversion  of  a  solid 
substance  into  the  fluid  form  by  the  application  of  heat ;  fusion 
is  most  frequently  resorted  to  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  the 
combination  or  the  decomposition  of  bodies.  The  term  "  flux- 
ing" is  applied  to  the  process  in  cases  where  substances  insolu- 
ble, or  difficult  of  solution,  in  water  and  acids,  are,  by  fusion, 
in  conjunction  with  some  other  body,  modified  or  decomposed 
in  such  a  manner  that  the  new-formed  compounds  will  subse- 
quently dissolve  in  water  or  acids.  Fusion  and  fluxing  are 
conducted  either  in  porcelain,  silver,  or  platinum  crucibles, 
according  to  the  nature  of  the  compound.  The  crucible  is  sup- 
ported on  a  triangle  of  medium  stout  platinum-wire,  resting  on 
the  ring  of  a  blast  lamp.  (See  Fig.  46,  p.  53.) 

Resort  to  fluxing  is  especially  required  for  the  analysis  of 
the  sulphates  of  the  alkaline  earths,  and  also  for  that  of  many 
silicates.  The  flux  most  commonly  used  is  carbonate  of  sodium 
or  carbonate  of  potassium,  or,  better  still,  a  mixture  of  both  in 
equal  atomic  proportions,  i.  e.,  13  parts  of  pure  carbonate  of 
sodium  are  mixed  with  10  parts  of  pure  anhydrous  carbonate 
of  sodium.* 

Silicates  are  fused  with  about  4  to  5  parts  of  the  alkaline 
mixture  mentioned,  or,  still  better,  with  carbonate  of  sodium 
alone,  provided  the  operation  is  carried  on  with  Bunsen's 
blast  lamp,  or  a  wind  furnace.  A  basic  alkaline  silicate  is 
formed,  which,  being  soluble  in  water,  may  be  readily  separated 
from  such  metallic  oxides  as  it  may  contain  in  admixture. 

*  The  mixture  is  kept  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle. 


204  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

From  this  basic  alkaline  silicate,  hydrochloric  acid  separates  the 
silicic  acid  as  hydrate.  If  a  fixed  alkaline  carbonate  is  fused 
together  with  sulphate  of  barium,  strontium,  or  calcium,  there 
are  formed  carbonates  of  the  alkaline  earths  and  sulphates  of 
the  alkalies.  In  the  new  compounds  both  the  base  and  the 
acid  of  the  originally  insoluble  salt  may  now  be  readily 
detected.  However,  we  do  not  employ  carbonate  of  potassium 
separately,  nor  carbonate  of  sodium,  to  effect  the  decomposition 
of  the  insoluble  silicates  and  sulphates  ;  but  we  employ  for  this 
purpose  the  above  described  mixture  of  both,  because  this 
mixture  requires  a  far  lower  degree  of  heat  than  either  of  its 
components  alone,  and  hence  the  operation  may  be  conducted 
over  an  alcohol  lamp  with  an  argand  burner,  or  a  Bunsen 
gas  burner.  The  fusion  with  alkaline  carbonates  is  always 
effected  in  a  platinum  crucible  provided  no  reducible  metallic 
oxides  be  present,  which  would  ruin'it. 

In  cases  where  alkalies  are  present  in  the  mineral  submitted 
to  analysis,  we  employ  hydrate  of  baryta*  for  its  fusion.  Upon 
fusing  silicates  together  with  about  four  parts  of  hydrate  of 
baryta,  a  basic  silicate  of  barium  is  formed,  and  the  oxides  are 
liberated.  If  the  fused  mass  is  treated  with  hydrochloric  acid, 
the  solution  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  residue  digested 
with  hydrochloric  acid,  the  silicic  acid  is  left  behind,  and  the 
oxides  are  obtained  in  solution  in  the  form  of  chlorides.  Hy- 
drate of  baryta  is  preferable  as  a  flux  to  test  silicates  for  alka- 
lies, to  carbonate  or  nitrate  of  barium,  since  it  does  not  re- 
quire a  very  high  temperature  for  its  fusion,  nor  does  it  cause 
any  spurting  in  the  fusing  mass  from  the  disengagement  of  gas, 
as  in  the  case  with  the  nitrate.  The  operation  is  conducted  in 
a  silver  or  platinum  crucible.  The  mineral  subjected  to  fusion 
must  in  every  case  be  very  finely  pulverized  in  an  agate  mortar 
and  sifted  through  the  finest  hair  sieve. 

*  Hydrate  of  baryta  fuses  at  a  gentle  red  heat  without  losing  its 
water. 


FUSION  AND  FLUXING.  205 

DEFLAGRATION. 

In  a  very  general  sense  "  deflagration"  signifies  a  process 
of  chemical  decomposition  attended  with  a  detonation  or  explo- 
sion. It  is  here  used  in  a  more  restricted  sense  to  designate 
the  deoxidation  of  a  substance  in  the  dry  way  at  the  expense  of 
the  oxygen  of  another  substance  mixed  with  it,  usually  a  ni- 
trate or  a  chlorate,  viz.,  saltpetre,  potassium  chlorate.  Con- 
nected with  this  process  is  a  sudden  or  violent  combustion, 
attended  with  a  very  lively  incandescence.  Deflagration  is 
resorted  to,  either  to  produce  the  desired  oxide — e.  g.,  ter- 
snlphide  of  arsenic  is  deflagrated  with  nitrate  of  potassium  to 
obtain  arsenate  of  potassium-*-or  it  is  applied  as  a  means  to 
prove  the  presence  or  absence  of  a  certain  substance.  Thus  salts 
are  tested  for  nitric  or  chloric  acids  by  fusing  them  with  cyanide 
of  potassium,  and  observing  whether  this  process  will  cause 
deflagration*  or  not. 

To  attain  the  former  object,  the  perfectly  dry  mixture  of  the 
substance  under  investigation,  and  of  the  deflagrating  agent  is 
projected  in  small  proportions  into  a  red-hot  porcelain  crucible 
With  very  small  quantities  the  process  is  best  conducted  on 
piece  of  platinum  foil,  or  on  a  small  platinum  spoon. 

ON  THE  USE  AND  PRESERVATION  OF  PLATINUM  VESSELS. 

Platinum  apparatus  being  very  expensive,  should  be  handled 
with  great  care  and  kept  polished,  i.  e.,  by  gently  rubbing 
witli  moist  sea-sand  (the  rounded  grains  of  which  do  not 
scratch  the  metal)  ;  by  fusing  borax  upon  the  coated  surface, 
or  by  digestion  with  nitric  acid,  and  lastly  polishing  again  with 
sea-sand. 

1.  Platinum  is  not  attacked  at  any  temperature  by  nitric, 

*  B.  B.  deflagrations  of  minute  quantities,  viz.,  common  and  Chili 
saltpetre,  chlorate  of  potassium,  are  executed  on  charcoal.    If  we  place 
upon  the  fused  mass  a  moistened  red  litmus  paper  it  turns  blue  (al- 
kaline carbonates),  and  a  drop  of  11C1  causes  effervescence  (CO2). 
18 


206  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

hydrochloric,  or  sulphuric  acid,  but  dissolves  in  nitro-hydro- 
chloric  acid,  though  less  readily  than  gold. 

2.  Free  chlorine  and  bromine  attack  platinum  at  an  ordinary 
temperature ;  also  free  sulphur,  phosphorus,  arsenic,  selenium, 
and  iodine  attack  ignited  platinum.     Hence  the  fusion  of  sul- 
phides, sulphates,  and  phosphates  with  reducing  agents  (car- 
bon, etc.)  is  injurious  or  fatal  to  platinum  vessels.     The  igni- 
tion of  organic  material  containing  phosphates  acts  in  a  slight 
degree  as  free  phosphorus. 

3.  The  heating  of  ferric  chloride,  and  the  fusion  of  bromides, 
and  iodides  affect  platinum  to  some  extent. 

4.  The  alkali  hydrates*  (not  their  carbonates)  and  the  alka- 
line earths,  especially  baryta  and  lithia  when  ignited  with  plati- 
num   in    the   air,    gradually  corrode    platinum   vessels.     The 
nitrates  of  the  alkalies  or  alkaline  earths  are  also  detrimental. 

5.  All   metals  which  may  be  reduced  by  fusion,  especially 
salts  of  bismuth,  lead,  tin,  and  all  metallic  compounds  mixed 
with  reducing  agents  (cyanide  of  potassium,  etc.),  including 
the  alkalies  and  earths,  form  fusible  alloys  at  a  high  tempera- 
ture with   platinum.     Oxides  of  mercury,  lead,  bismuth,  tin, 
antimony,  zinc,  copper,  nickel,  are,  at  a  white  heat,  rapidly 
reduced,  unite  with  the  platinum,  and  corrode  it. 

6.  Silica  with  charcoal    slowly  corrodes  ignited  platinum. 
Hence  platinum  crucibles  should  not  be  supported  on  charcoal 
in  the  furnace,  but  packed  in  magnesia  in  an  outer  crucible  of 
clay. 

Cracks  and  holes  in  platinum  crucibles  may  be  repaired  with 
gold  solder,  but  such  vessels  cannot  afterwards  be  exposed  to  a 
high  heat. 

*  Caustic  alkalies  must  be  fused,  or  evaporated  in  silver  crucibles. 
These  can  only  be  used  at  temperatures  below  full  redness,  and  must 
not  come  in  contact  with  sulphur  or  be  heated  over  coke,  coal,  or  gas, 
or  other  fuel  containing  sulphur. 


PART    II. 

DETERMINATIVE  MINERALOGY. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ON  THE  DETERMINATION  OF  MINERALS  BY  MEANS  OF  SIM- 
PLE EXPERIMENTS  WITH  THE  BLOWPIPE,  AIDED  BY 
HUMID  ANALYSIS. 

A  FREE  translation  from  the  twelfth  edition  of  Professor 
Franz  von  Kobell's  "Tafeln  zur  Bestimmung  der  Miner- 
alien."* 

INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  TABLES. 

The  following  tables  are  intended  to  assist  in  the  discovery 
and  facilitate  the  determination  of  minerals  by  the  most  plain 
and  reliable  methods  of  examination.  They  are  based  upon  a 
few  simple  experiments  with  the  blowpipe  or  with  chemicals 
in  the  wet  way,  i.  e.,  the  substance,  if  not  already  fluid,  is  first 
brought  into  the  liquid  state  and  is  then  operated  upon  by 
chemical  reagents  in  the  form  of  a  solution.  These  experi- 
ments soon  lead  to  a  group  containing  a  few  species,  among 
which  is  the  mineral  sought — its  name  and  usual  composition. 
The  species  under  examination  can  generally  be  distinguished 
from  others  in  the  same  group  by  some  of  its  chemical  charac- 
ters. In  any  case  where  uncertainty  or  doubt  might  arise  on 

*  Before  the  last  edition  was  fully  prepared  for  printing,  the  cele- 
brated author  von  Kobell  died  (Nov.  11,  1882)  ;  hence  this  twelfth, 
improved,  and  augmented  edition  has  been  issued  by  K.  Oebbeke, 
Miinchen,  1884.  .1.  Lindauer's  Buchhandlung. 


208  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

account  of  similarity  in  the  chemical  reactions  of  two  species, 
we  may  be  convinced  of  the  correctness  of  our  determination 
by  referring  to  any  work  on  mineralogy,  and  comparing  the 
physical  properties  of  the  species.  The  correctness  and  advan- 
tage of  this  method  of  determining,  minerals  have  been  suffi- 
ciently demonstrated  by  practical  exercises  carefully  conducted 
for  many  years. 

In  order  to  perform  successfully  all  the  manipulations  here 
required,  it  is  only  necessary  to  be  acquainted  with  the  use  of 
the  blowpipe,  and  also  with  the  manner  of  making  some  simple 
solutions  and  precipitations. 

It  is  expected  that  these  pages  will  be  especially  useful  to 
those  who  have  neither  time  nor  the  inclination  to  devote 
themselves  to  the  study  of  larger  works  on  mineralogy,  but  to 
whom  the  determination  of  some  few  minerals  is  often  a  matter 
of  interest.  For  that  reason  it  may  be  acceptable  to  the  chem- 
ist, the  miner,  the  farmer,  and  the  mechanic. 

When  an  individual  wishes  to  determine  any  mineral,  the 
arrangemenf  is  such  that  he  will  be  constantly  directed  by  the 
divisions  to  the  tests  which  he  must  make.  After  noting  the 

"Lustre  of  the  Mineral" 

there  is  generally  required  a  single  fusion  of  the  sample, 
either  alone  or  with  soda;  then  one  trial  by  solution,  and  a 
few  precipitations,  when  the  object  sought  is  attained.  Any 
one  who  will  follow  the  directions  here  given,  and  execute  the 
tests  with  accuracy,  will  soon  become  acquainted  with  many 
reactions,  and  by  a  short  practice  he  may  acquire  the  abil- 
ity to  determine  minerals  with  facility  and  certainty.  Where 
errors  would  be  most  likely  to  occur  in  the  examination, 
they  are  avoided  by  the  arrangement  of  the  divisions,  ?'.  <?., 
some  minerals  have  both  a  metallic  and  non-metallic  lustre  ; 
some  fuse  under-  or  above  5,  according  to  the  skill  of  the 
operator.  As  these  minerals  might  appear  of  doubtful  limit, 
they  are  mentioned  in  both  divisions. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES  OF  MINERALS.  209 

PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES  OF  MINERALS. 

I.  LUSTRE.     In  the  group  of  minerals  with  metallic  lustre 
are  placed  only  those  which  are   perfectly  opaque.      A  thin 
splinter  held   between   the   eye  and  the  light   must  show  no 
tmnslucency  when  it  is  considered  as  having  metallic  lustre; 
otherwise  as  without  it. 

II.  FUSIBILITY. 

The  following  is  the  scale  of  fusibility  : — 

1.  Stibnite  (antimony  glance). 

2.  Natrolite. 

These  in  coarse  or  fine  splinters  fuse  in  the  mantle  of  a  can- 
dle flume  (without  the  blowpipe). 

3.  Almandite.     Alumina-iron  garnet,  does  not  fuse  in  a  can- 
dle flame  like  the  preceding;  but  B.B.  easily,  even  in  some- 
what larger  pieces. 

4.  Actinolite.     B.  B.,  fusible  in  rather  fine  splinters. 

5.  Orthoclase.     B.  B.,  fusible  in  finer  splinters. 

6.  Bronzite.     (B.   B.  becomes  rounded  only  on  the  finest 
points  and   the   sharpest  edges.)      Splinters  or  fragments    of 
these  minerals  are  kept  on  hand,  and  their  fusibility  compared 
with  that  of  samples  similar  to  them  in  size  and  edges. 

Trials  of  fusibility  should  be  made  in  the  forceps,  and  mine- 
rals difficult  of  fusion  should  be  employed  in  thin  splinters  since 
these  might  fuse  on  the  edges,  while  an  obtuse  piece  might 
lead  to  the  conclusion  that  the  mineral  is  infusible.  Nor 
should  the  sample  be  regarded  as  infusible  until  it  has  been 
heated  just  beyond  the  extremity  of  the  blue  flame  where  the 
heat  is  most  intense. 

Minerals  which  decrepitate  strongly  (like  common  salt)  are 
finely  pulverized,  moistened  with  water  and  placed  on  charcoal ; 
by  heating  the  particles  become  sintered  (if  the  sample  be  fusi- 
ble), so  that  the  mass  may  be  taken  in  the  forceps  and  further 
heated  in  the  flame. 

18* 


210  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

III.  HARDNESS.     For  the  scale  of  hardness  that  of  Mohs  is 
adopted,  which  is  as  follows,  viz : — 

1.  Talc,  common  foliated,  light-green  variety. 

2.  Gypsum,  the  crystallized  variety  (or  rock-salt,  Dana). 

3.  Calcite  (calc-spar),  transparent  variety. 

4.  Fluor-spar,  crystallized  variety. 

5.  Apatite,  transparent  variety. 
5.5.  Scapolite,  crystalline  variety. 

6.  Orthoclase,  white,  cleavable  variety. 

7.  Quartz,  transparent  variety. 

8.  Topaz,  transparent  crystal. 

9.  Corundum  (sapphire),  cleavable  variety. 
10.  Diamond. 

Trials  of  hardness  are  made  by  taking  individuals  of  the 
scale  and  attempting  to  scratch  the  mineral  under  examination, 
or  by  using  a  file  on  similar  edges  of  each  ;  both  methods  may 
be  employed.  A  few  trials  will  give  sufficient  experience  in 
the  use  of  this  scale. 

Sharp  corners  must  be  used  in  scratching,  and  particular 
care  should  be  taken  in  this,  as  in  all  other  cases,  that  impuri- 
ties do  not  come  in  to  modify  the  result ;  thus  a  grain  of  quartz 
in  some  of  the  impure  varieties  of  Galena,  if  it  happened  to 
come  upon  the  corner  which  is  used,  would  make  the  mineral 
appear  quite  hard,  and  without  proper  precautions  many  such 
errors  may  occur. 

IV.  COLOR.     Great  care  must  be  taken  in  forming  any  con- 
clusions from  the  color  of  minerals.     In  minerals  of  metallic 
lustre  the  color  is  generally  constant  and  often  very  charac- 
teristic in  some  of  the  non-metallic  species  the  same  is  true,  but 
experience  will  teach  how  greatly  the  colors  of  non-metallic 
minerals  vary,  and  varieties  are  constantly  found  differing  in 
color  from  all  that  were  previously  known.     Hence,  especially 
in  non-metallic  minerals,  the  color  which  is  given  should  only 
be  regarded  as  an  aid,  or  unimportant  suggestion  in  the  deter- 
mination. 


SPECIFIC    GRAVITY. 


211 


V.  STREAK.  The  streak  of  a  mineral  is  the  color  of  the 
powder  obtained  by  scratching  it  with  a  knife  or  file,  or  bet- 
ter, if  not  too  hard,  by  drawing  it  across  a  piece  of  unglazed 
porcelain. 

SPECIFIC  GRAVITY. 

Determination  of  the  specific  gravity  by  an  ordinary  good 
balance  and  weights.  The  specific  gravity  of  a  mineral  is  its 
weight  compared  with  that  of  an  equal  volume  of  water,  which 
is  taken  as  a  unit  of  comparison. 

The  direct  comparison  by  weight  of  a  certain  volume  of 
water  with  an  equal  volume  of  a  given  solid  is  not  often  prac- 
ticable. By  making  use,  however,  of  a  familiar  principle  in 

Fig.  118.* 


hydrostatics,  viz.,  that  the  weight  lost  by  a  solid,  immersed  in 
water,  is  equal  to  the  weight  of  an  equal  volume  of  water,  that 
is,  the  volume  of  water  it  displaces — the  determination  of  the 
specific  gravity  becomes  a  very  simple  process. 

*  Mohr's  hydrostatic  balance  for  determining  the  specific  gravity  of 
liquids  and  solid  objects. 


212  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  weight  of  the  mineral  in  the  air  (w)  is  determined  by 
weighing  with  the  balance  in  the  usual'manner,  then  the  weight 
in  water  is  found  (wr),  when  the  loss  by  immersion,  or  the  dif- 
ference of  the  two  weights  (w — w')  is  the  weight  of  a  volume 
of  water  equal  to  that  of  the  mineral.  Finally,  the  quotient 
found  by  dividing  the  first  weight  (10)  by  that  of  the  equal  vol- 
ume of  water  as  determined  (w — w'},  gives  the  specific  gravity 

(G.)     That  is  to  say:   G.  =     w    ,. 

w — w' 

For  example,  the  weight  of  a  fragment  of  quartz  is  found  to 
be  4.534  grammes.  Its  weight  in  water  =  2.817  grammes,  and 
therefore  the  loss  of  weight,  or  the  weight  of  an  equal 
volume  of  water  =  1.717.  Consequently  the  specific  gravity 

4534 

=  i?ni  or  2-64L 

The  mineral  is  first  accurately  weighed  on  a  good  balance, 
then  suspended  from  one  pan  of  the  balance   by  a  horse-hair, 
silk  thread,  or,  better  still,  by  the  finest  possible  platinum  wire, 
in  a  glass  of  distilled  water  conveniently  placed  beneath.     The 
platinum  wire  may  be  wound  around  the  specimen,  or,  where 
the  latter  is  small,  it  may  be  made  at  one  end  into  a  little  spiral 
support.     AVhile  thus  suspended,  the  weight  is  again  taken  with 
the  same   care  as  before.      Since   the 
Fig.  119.  density  of  water  varies  with  its  tem- 

perature, a  standard  temperature  must 
be  selected  for  these  experiments,  in 
order  to  obtain  uniform  results :  60° 
F.  (15°  C.)  has  been  generally 
adopted. 

If  the  mineral  is  not  solid,  but  pul- 
verulent or  porous,  it  is  best  to  reduce 
it  to  a  powder  and  weigh  it  in  a  little 

glass  bottle,  shown  above  (Fig.  110).*      This  bottle    has  a 
stopper  which  fits  tightly,  and  the  neck  of  which  is  drawn  out 

*  These  glass  bottles  are  capable  of  holding  exactly  a  thousand 
grains,  or  two  hundred  grains,  or  any  known  weight,  of  distilled 

water. 


SPECIFIC    GRAVITY.  213 

to  a  fine  tube,  with  a  very  fine  opening.  The  bottle  is  filled 
with  distilled  water,  the  stopper  inserted,  and  the  overflowing 
water  carefully  removed  with  a  soft  cloth.  It  is  now  weighed, 
and  also  the  mineral  whose  density  is  to  be  determined.  The 
stopper  is  then  removed,'  and  the  mineral  in  powder  form  or  in 
small  fragments  inserted  with  care,  so  as  not  to  introduce  air- 
bubbles.  The  water  which  overflows  on  replacing  the  stopper 
is  the  amount  of  water  displaced  by  the  mineral.  The  weight 
of  the  bottle  with  the  inclosed  mineral  is  determined,  and  the 
wreight  of  the  water  lost  is  obviously  the  difference  between 
this  last  weight  and  that  of  the  filled  bottle  and  the  mineral 
together,  as  first  determined.  The  specific  gravity  of  the  min- 
eral is  equal  to  its  weight  in  air,  divided  by  the  weight  of  the 
equal  volume  of  water  thus  determined. 

Where  this  method  is  followed  with  sufficient  care,  especially 
avoiding  any  change  of  temperature  in  the  water,  the  results 
are  quite  accurate. 

If  a  mineral  is  soluble  in  water,  it  is  weighed  in  a  liquid  in 
which  it  is  insoluble,  and  of  which  the  specific  gravity  is  known. 
The  specific  gravity  is  then  readily  calculated. 

Example  1 — 50  parts  of  rock-salt  (w),  when  weighed  in 
spirits  of  turpentine,  displace  an  amount  the  weight  of  which 
is  equal  to  19.53  parts.  The  specific  gravity  of  spirits  of  tur- 
pentine is  to  that  of  water  as  0.872  : 1  ;  hence,  we  find  that 

0.872  : 1  =  19.53  :  w— w',  and  hence  w—wf  =  1M?  =  22.396, 

0.872 
?'.  <?.,  the  weight  of  an  equal  volume  of  water. 

Since  G  = — — ,=•     5°     =2.232,    the   latter    number, 
w—w'       22.396 

2.23,  expresses  the  specific  gravity  of  rock-salt. 

Example  2 — A  substance  soluble  in  water  was  weighed  in 
oil,  and  its  specific  gravity,  compared  with  the  oil,  was  2.6,  the 
specific  gravity  of  the  oil  was  0.87:  then  2.6x0.87  =  2.262, 
the  specific  gravity  of  the  substance. 

The  specific  gravity  of  a  substance  lighter  than  water,  for 
instance  that  of  elmwood,  is  found  as  follows  : — 


214  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  elmwood  by  itself  weighs  in  the  air  =  .         .2        oz. 
The  wood  is  attached  to  a  piece  of  lead  which 

weighs  =  .         .          .         .         .         .     4       oz. 

Total  weight  of  both  in  air=      .... 
In  water  both  together  weigh  =  . 

Loss  of  both  united  =  2.85  oz. 

The  lead  alone  weighs  in  the  air  =      .         .         .     4.00  oz. 
When  submerged  in  water  =       ....     3.65  oz. 

Loss  of  the  lead  alone  in  water     .          .         .     0.35  oz. 

By  substracting  from   the  loss  of  both   solids   in 

water  =          .......     2.85  oz. 

The  loss  of  lead  alone  in  water  =    .  0.35  oz. 


We  obtain  hence  for  the  loss  of  the  wood  =      .     2.50  oz. 

Hence  the  specific  gravity  of  elmwood  is  •=.  0.8. 

Since :  2'QQ  (absolute  weiSllt  in  air)  =  0.8  (f.  e., 

2.50  (weight  of  an  equal  bulk  of  water) 

the  spec.  grav.  of  the  wood  mentioned). 

The  specific  gravity  of  minerals  is  most  easily  taken  by  means 
of  Prof.  Jolly's  spring-balance.*  (Fig.  120).  A  wire  wound  in  a 
spiral  form  is  suspended  at  «,  and  has  attached  at  its  lower  end, 
&,  two  pans  c  and  d.  The  pan,  c?,  dips  into  water.  The  vessel 
containing  the  water  in  which  the  pan  is  suspended  is  placed 
upon  a  shelf,  which  may  be  moved  up  or  down  on  the 
standard  of  the  balance.  A  mark  at  m  shows  the  extension  of 
the  spiral  on  the  mirror  scale,  which  is  also  attached  to  the 
standard.  In  reading,  the  mark  is  made  to  cover  the  reflection 
on  the  mirror. 

If  weights  increasing  a  tenth  of  a  gramme  are  added  succes- 

*  This  spring-balance  (Federwage)  is  furnished  by  Mechaniker 
Berberich,  in  Miinchen,  for  27  marks,  about  $6.75. 


SPECIFIC    GRAVITY. 


215 


sively  to  the  pan  in  the  air,  it  is  found  that  the  extension  of 

the  wire  is  in  proportion  to  the  weight  added.     Conically  wound 

wire,  with  its  greatest  diameter  at  a,  and 

its  smallest  at  ft,  shows  precisely  the  rela-  ^£'  *2(^ 

tion  between  the  size  of  the  load  and  the 

extension  of  the  spiral. 

The  manner  of  using  the  balance  is  ex- 
tremely simple.  Before  the  substance  is 
placed  on  the  pan,  the  place  of  the  mark 
is  observed  on  the  scale.  A  known  weight 
is  then  placed  on  the  upper  pan,  and  the  ( 

shelf,  B,  moved  down  as  far  as  neces- 
sary ;  so  far,  that  with  the  consequent  ex- 
tension of  the  spiral,  the  pan,  c?,  will  again 
sink  into  the  water,  when  a  second  reading 
is  made.  The  difference  in  these  figures 
gives -the  number  of  divisions  on  the  scale 
over  which  the  spiral  has  been  made  to 
pass  by  the  weight.  If  it  is  found,  for 
example,  that  with  a  weight  of  1  gramme 
the  extension  of  the  spiral  is  122.2  divi- 
sions, while  with  some  substance,  as  a 
piece  of  mineral,  the  extension  is  only 
54.4,  the  absolute  weight  of  the  substance 

If,  however,  the 


will  be  _5M=  0.445. 


122.2 

absolute  weight  is  not  required,  only  the 
specific,  it  is  not  necessary  to  express  the  ab- 
solute weight  in  grammes.  Three  readings 
are  made:  first,  with  empty  pan;  second, 
with  substance  placed  on  the  upper  pan ;  and 
the  third,  after  placing  the  same  substance 
on  the  pan  under  water.  The  difference 
between  the  first  two  gives  the  absolute 
weight  expressed  in  divisions  of  the  scale,  and  the.  difference 
in  the  last  two  gives  the  weight  of  the  displaced  water.  The 


216  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

quotient  of  these  differences  is,  therefore,  the  specific  weight. 
If  the  mark  with  the  empty  pans  stands  at  64.2,  and  with  the 
substance  placed  in  the  upper  pan  at  275.3,  and  with  the  same 
substance  in  the  lower  pan  at  220.8,  then  the  absolute  weight 
is  275.3  —  64.2  =  211.1,  and  loss  of  weight  in  water  is  275.3 

9111 

—  220.8  =  54.5.    Specific  weight  will  be ±1^  =  3.85.     The 

54.5 

second  decimal  is  not  always  certain,  but,  by  proper  arrange- 
ment of  the  spiral,  is  found  as  reliable  as  the  ordinary  balance. 
If  the  specific  weight  of  a  fluid  is  to  be  determined,  both  pans 
are  taken  off,  and  in  place  of  them  a  glass  of  about  1  c.c.  in 
size  is  suspended  by  a  fine  platinum  wire.  The  loss  of  weight 
in  water  and  other  liquids  is  shown  by  the  scale  as  in  the  former 
case.  As  is  shown  in  the  drawing,  the  shelf,  B,  is  attached  to 
the  standard,  A.  The  movable  standard,  C,  has  the  same 
length  as  A ;  can  be  raised  or  lowered,  and  made  fast  at  any 
point.  C  is  drawn  out  according  to  the  length  of  the  spiral,  so 
far  that  the  mark  with  the  pans  empty  stands  opposite  one  of 
the  upper  divisions  of  the  scale,  which,  to  show  the  whole  ex- 
tension of  the  spiral,  must  be  at  least  600  mm.  long.  Every 
spiral  at  first  shows  a  little  elasticity,  which  grows  less,  and 
which,  during  any  one  experiment,  amounts  to  really  nothing. 

PYRO-ELECTRICITY. 

Electricity  is  developed  in  some  minerals  by  heat,  whereby 
some  light  substances  are  attracted,  such  as  deer's  hair  or  fibres 
of  wool  and  cotton. 

In  determining  whether  a  crystal  be  positively  or  negatively 
electric,  mistakes  may  easily  happen,  which  may,  however,  be 
avoided,  according  to  von  Kobell,  by  employing  "chamois 
beard"  hair  electroscope  («.  e.,  the  long  hair,  hanging  down  the 
back  of  a  four  year  old  chamois,  is  called  its  "  beard.")  These 
hairs,  when  rubbed  from  the  root  toward  the  end  point,  become 
strongly  positive  electric;  on  the  contrary,  rubbed  from  the 
point  toward  the  root  they  become  negative  electric,  though 
less  so. 


CRYSTALLIZATION.  217 

OPTICAL  INVESTIGATION  OF  MINERALS. 

When  a  mineral  is  transparent,  a  Nicol  prism,  and  von  Ko- 
belFs  Stauroscope*  will  be  useful  in  determining  the  optical 
properties  of  minerals. 

Altered  reactions  of  impure  minerals.  It  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  remark  that  the  reactions  usually  mentioned  relate  only  to 
pure  or  homogeneous  specimens.  When  a  mineral  is  presumed 
to  be  impure  we  must  take  into  consideration  its  adulterations 
and  judge  of  the  reactions  accordingly.  Some  varieties  of 
wollastonite,  for  example,  effervesce  with  acids,  and  also  react 
alkaline  after  fusion  ;  neither  of  which  reactions  belongs  prop- 
erly to  this  material,  but  is  caused  by  an  admixture  of  calcite 
or  other  carbonate. 

CRYSTALLIZATION. 

Crytallization,t  if  distinct,  will  often  aid  very  materially  in 
determining  the  identity  of  a  mineral. 

The  forms  of  crystals  are  exceedingly  various,  while  the  sys- 
tems of  crystallization  based  on  their  mathematical  distinctions 
are  only  six  in  number. 

*  See  von  Kobell's  Mineralogie,  5te  Auttage,  Leipzig,  1878,  page  65, 
"  Stauroscope  ;"  also,  The  Study  of  Rocks,  by  Frank  Rutley,  F.G.S., 
London  ;. Longmans,  Green  &  Co.,  1879,  page  81,  giving  a  description 
of  the  instrument  devised  by  vou  Kobeli,  and  an  improvement  made 
by  Brezina. 

f  For  the  study  of  Crystallography  and  the  Physical  Characters  of 
Minerals,  E.  S.  Dana's  "Text-book  of  Mineralogy"  is  recommended, 
3d  ed.,  New  York,  1880. 


218 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


SYSTEMS  OF  CRYSTALLIZATION. 


JsTo.  Some  typical  simple  forms. 


Cube  and  octahedron. 


Right  prism  with  square  base. 

Right  prism  with    rectangular 
or  rhombic  base. 

Right  rhomboidal  and  oblique 
rhombic  prisms. 

Oblique  disymetric  rhomboidal 
prism. 

Rhombohedron  and  hexagonal 
prism. 


Axes. 


3  axes,  rectangular  and  equal. 
3  axes,  rectangular,  2  equal. 
3  axes,  rectangular  and  unequal. 

3  axes,  unequal,  2  rectangular. 


3  axes,  unequal,  and  unequally 
inclined. 

4  axes,  3  equal  and  equally  in- 
clined,   1,   unequal    at   right 
angles  to  the  other  three. 


NAMES  USED  BY  DIFFERENT  AUTHORS. 


No. 
1 

Nanmann. 

Mohs. 

Weiss  &  Rose 

Phillips. 

Delafosse. 

Dana. 

Tesseral. 

Tessular. 

Regular. 

Cubic. 

Cubic. 

Isometric. 

2 

Tetrago- 
nal. 

Pyramidal. 

2  and  1 
axial. 

Pyram 
idal. 

Tetrago- 
nal. 

Dimetric, 
or  Tetra- 

gonal. 

3 

Rhom- 
bic. 

Orthotype. 

1  and  1 
axial. 

Prisma- 
tic. 

Ortho- 
rhombic. 

Trimetric, 
or  Ortho- 

rhombic. 

4 

Monocli- 
nohedric 

Hemior- 
thotype. 

2  and  1 
membered. 

Oblique 

Clino- 
rhombic. 

Mono- 
clinic. 

5 

Triclino- 
hedric. 

An  ortho- 
type. 

1  and  1 
membered. 

Anor- 
thic. 

Clino- 
hedric. 

Triclinic. 

6 

Hexago- 
nal. 

Rhombohe- 
dral. 

3  and  1 

axial. 

Rhombo- 
hedral. 

Hexago- 
nal. 

Hexago- 
nal. 

CHEMICAL  PROPERTIES  OF  MINERALS.  219 

CHEMICAL  PROPERTIES  OF  MINERALS. 

Preliminary  proceedings  for  testing  and  properly  classify- 
ing them.  In  commencing  examinations  for  ascertaining  the 
species  and  name  of  a  mineral,  it  is  always  important  to  begin 
with  the  first  group,  and  pass  on  to  those  following,  since  a 
mineral  which  is  contained  in  a  former  group  may  also  possess 
the  character  of  a  succeeding  group,  but  never  the  reverse. 

For  convenience  of  those  making  examinations,  a  SYNOPSIS 
OF  THE  DIVISIONS  AND  GROUPS  is  PREFIXED.  Instead  of  fur- 
ther explanation,  two  examples  will  sufficiently  illustrate  the 
method  of  determination. 

1.  EXAMPLE.  Suppose  we  have  a  specimen  of  "  ALUMI- 
NITE" before  us  and  are  unacquainted  with  the  mineral.  It 
has  no  metallic  lustre,  and  therefore  belongs  to  the  Division 
II.,  viz:  Minerals  without  metallic  lustre. 

It  is  infusible,  and  therefore  falls  under  subdivision  C.  Min- 
erals infusible  or  fusible  above  5.  The  first  group  of  the 
subdivisions  is  characterized  by  its  behavior  before  the  blow- 
pipe, "  turning  blue"  when  moistened  with  cobalt  solution.  One 
trial  shows  that  it  belongs  to  this  group,  and  since  it  yields 
much  water  in  a  matrass,  it  must  be  looked  for  under  section 
i,  page  289.  Among  the  minerals  here  mentioned,  only  alunite 
and  aluminite  yield  hepar  with  soda ;  the  specimen  under  ex- 
amination shows  this  deportment,  and  must  be  one  or  the  other  ; 
aluminite  is  described  as  being  easily  soluble  in  muriatic  acid, 
while  alunite  is  scarcely  attacked.  A  single  trial  with  muri- 
atic acid  determines  the  mineral  to  be  "  aluminite"  and  its 
white  color  distinguishes  it  further  from  the  similar  mineral, 
"pissophanite"  which  is  olive-green,  and  has  a  vitreous  lustre.  • 

To  each  species  is  added  its  chemical  formula,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  affording  to  those  who  are  acquainted  with  chemistry  a 
ready  means  of  obtaining  a  more  intimate  knowledge  of  its 
composition  than  is  developed  in  the  characters  mentioned. 
For  example,  the  formula  of  aluminite  is  A1SO6-|-  9Aq,  from 
which  we  see  that  the  essential  constituents  of  this  mineral  are 


220  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED, 

alumina,  sulphuric  acid,  and  water;  other  trials,  therefore, 
could  be  made  in  addition  to  those  just  described,  to  verify  its 
composition. 

TESTING  FOR  WATKR. 

For  the  determination  of  water,  a  number  of  small  fragments 
of  crystals,  or  compact  mineral  should  be  selected.  Instead 
of  a  matrass,  an  open  glass  tube  about  5  inches  in  length  is 
used ;  the  sample  is  placed  within  it,  and  we  can  blow  gently 
on  the  outside,  so  as  not  to  fuse  the  glass  ;  the  water,  if  present, 
collects  in  small  drops  on  the  cooler  parts  of  the  tube. 

A  trace  of  moisture  may  be  found  in  almost  any  mineral,  but 
a  very  little  practice  will  show  whether  a  mineral  is  really 
hydrous  or  not.  Decrepitating  minerals  may  be  enveloped  in 
a  piece  of  copper-foil,  and  thus  placed  in  the  tube  and  heated. 
In  order  to  determine  the  loss  of  water  by  ignition,  quantita- 
tively, we  choose  a  small  platinum  crucible,  holding  some  2 
grammes  of  the  hydrated  mineral.  The  heating  is  done  over 
a  Bunsen  burner,  or  blast-lamp,  the  flame  of  which  envelops  the 
apparatus  completely.  In  this  manner  some  silicates  of  mag- 
nesia, like  chlorite,  ripidolite,  etc.,  will  lose  their  water  com- 
pletely, but  which  could  not  have  been  expelled  by  a  common 
alcohol  lamp. 

SOLUTION  is  the  liquefaction  of  a  solid,  or  a  gas,  by  mixture 
with  a  liquid.  The -most  universal  solvent  is  water;  it  is 
always  understood  to  be  present  in  definite  proportions,  in 
operations  in  the  wet  way.  Other  solvents  are  alcohol,  ether, 
disulphide  of  carbon,  benzine,  glycerine,  and  others  less  im- 
portant. It  must  never  be  forgotten  that  there  are  degrees  of 
solubility,  but  there  is  hardly  such  a  fact  as  absolute  solubility, 
or  insolubility,  regardless  of  the  proportion  of  the  solvent. 

Substances  are  said  to  dissolve  in  acids,  or  in  alkalies,  and 
this  is  termed  a  chemical  solution  ;  or,  more  definitely,  it  is 
both  a  chemical  action  and  solution  ;  the  solution  being  always 
a  mere  physical  change.  We  say  that  lime  dissolves  (chemi- 
cally) in  hydrochloric  acid,  ?*.  <?.,  in  the  reagent  thus  called, 


DECOMPOSITION    BY    ACIDS.  221 

which  is  a  mixture  of  that  acid  in  water.  The  acid  unites 
with  the  lime,  forming  a  soluble  solid,  which  the  water  dis- 
solves. 

DECOMPOSITION  BY  ACIDS. 

To  test  whether  a  mineral  is  decomposable  (soluble)  in  acids 
or  not,  the  sample  should  be  as  finely  pulverized  as  possible  in 
an  agate  mortar.  It  is  then  treated  with  tolerably  strong  acid, 
and,  if  necessary,  heat  is  applied.  The  digestion  is  carried  on 
in  a  small  glass  flask,  a  large  test-tube,  or  a  small  porcelain  dish 
for  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  In  order  to  see  whether  silicates  or 
many  compounds  of  the  earths,  and  the  allied  metallic  oxides, 
have  been  partially  dissolved,  we  separate  the  acid  by  decanta- 
tion  or  filtration  from  the  residue,  and  add  ammonia  in  excess, 
and  then  a  few  drops  of  phosphate  of  sodium.  In  case  these  two 
reagents  produce  a  decided  precipitate,  it  is  a  sign  that  decom- 
position has  taken  place,  but  when  no  precipitate  is  formed,  or 
but  a  few  flakes  appear,  the  mineral  may  be  pronounced  nearly 
or  quite  insoluble. 

If  silicates  in  fine  powder  form  are  heated  with  cone, 
phosphoric  acid  (until  the  latter  begins  to  volatilize,  forming 
thereby  dense  vapors),  and  the  cold  mass  is  treated  with  water 
and  boiled,  gelatinous  lumps  of  silica  separate.  Many  silicates 
"  gelatinize"  when  previously  fused,  viz.,  garnet,  vesuvianite, 
etc.  For  this  purpose  several  splinters,  or  small  pieces  of  the 
sample  are  fused  B.  B.,  then  wrapped  in  paper  and  crushed  to 
powder  on  a  steel  anvil,  and  then  still  finer  ground  in  an  agate 
mortar.  This  fine  powder  is  brought  into  a  reagent  tube  or  por- 
celain dish,  some  hydrochloric  acid  added,  and  the  whole  boiled 
until  the  acid  is  evaporated,  when  gelatinous  lumps  remain  be- 
hind ;  or,  after  the  lapse  of  about  twelve  hours  a  distinct  im- 
movable "  gelatinous"  mass  is  produced  in  the  vessel.  If  this 
is  stirred  up  with  water,  it  may  be  filtered  off,  and  the  filtrate 
be  further  tested  with  ammonia,  oxalate  of  ammonium,  etc.,  for 
alumina,  lime,  etc.,  that  might  be  present. 

19* 


222  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

2.  EXAMPLE.  Let  us  suppose  that  we  have  bornite,  or 
variegated  copper  pyrites  to  determine  upon. 

The  mineral  has  metallic  lustre ;  B.  B.  it  fuses  without 
giving  off  perceptible  fumes.  In  the  oxidizing  flame  we  can 
perceive  the  odor  of  sulphurous  acid,  and  the  sample  would,  of 
course,  when  heated  with  carbonate  of  sodium,  form  hepar  (sul- 
phide of  sodium)  which  an  experiment  confirms.  From  this 

it  follows  that  the  mineral  must  be  looked  for  under  I — A 5. 

A  single  trial  with  soda  shows  that  it  cannot  be  one  of  the  first 
four  minerals  of  this  (o)  group,  and  that  it  must  belong  to  the 
group  Chalcocite,  etc.,  whose  solutions  in  nitric  acid,  treated 
with  an  access  of  ammonia,  give  an  azure-blue  color,  and  which, 
when  fused  on  coal  and  moistened  with  muriatic  acid,  tinge 
the  blowpipe  flame  blue.  Among  minerals  of  metallic  lustre 
the  color  is  usually  characteristic ;  it  is  therefore  mentioned 
when  applicable  for  the  purpose  of  shortening  the  process  of 
determination.  The  color  of  the  specimen  under  examination 
is  copper-red,  inclining  to  yellow  ;  this  sufficiently  distinguishes 
it  from  the  others  of  the  same  group,  and  we  must  call  the 
mineral  bornite,  or  variegated  copper  pyrites. 

On  beginning  the  delightful  study  of  determinative  miner- 
alogy, the  student  ought  to  exercise  great  patience  and  proceed 
slowly,  but  surely.  Jt  is  by  far  the  best  way  to  examine  at 
first  well-known  species. 

Mineral  species  selected  for  the  study  of  determinative 
mineralogy.  Von  Kobell  advises  his  own  students  to  deter- 
mine successively  the  following  list  of  minerals  according  to 
the  method  before  us  : — 

Aluminjte,  Borax,  Chalcocite, 

Alunite,  Bornite,  .      Cinnabar, 

Anhydrite,  Bournonite,  Cryolite, 

Antimony-glance,  Calamine,  Cuprite, 

Apophyllite,  Calcite,  Datolite, 

Argentite,  Cassiterite,  Diallogite, 

A.rsenopyrite,  Celestite.  Dolomite, 

Atacamite,  Cerugsite,  Lapis-lazuli, 

Barite,  Chalcopyrite,  Ljevrite. 
Lepidolite, 


WEIGHTS    AND    MEASUKKS. 


•2-2:3 


Limonite, 

Psilomelane, 

Sphalerite, 

Magnesite, 

Pyrite, 

Strontianite, 

Magnetite, 

Pyrolusite, 

Talc, 

Malachite, 

Pyromorphite, 

Witherite, 

Manganite, 

Pyrrhotite, 

Wolfram, 

Molybdenite, 

Realgar, 

Wollastonite, 

Natrolite, 

Scheelite, 

Wulfenite. 

Niccolite, 

Smaltite, 

Orpiment, 

Smithsonite, 

French  Weights  and  Measures. 

French. 

One  Milligramme 
"     Centigamme 
"     Decigramme 
"     Gramme 
"     Decagramme 
"     Hectogramme 
"     Kilogramme 


English. 

=  .0154  grains  Troy. 

=  .1543       "         " 

=  1.5434       "         " 

=         15.4336       "         " 
=       154.336         " 
=     1543.36 
=  15433.6  " 


French. 

One  Millimetre 
"     Centimetre. 
"     Decimetre 
"     Metre 
"     Decametre 
u     Hectometre 
"     Kilometre 
"     Myriametre 


2.679  Ibs.  Troy. 
2.205    "     avoirdupois. 

English. 
.0394  inches. 
.394         " 
3.937 

=          39.37          " 
=        393.71 
=       3937.1 
=     39371. 
=  393710. 


1  pound  avoirdupois  =  7000  grains  Troy,  or  16  ounces.  1  ounce 
avoirdupois  =  437£  grains  Troy.  1  gramme  =  15.43  grains.  2£.35 
grammes  =  1  ounce  avoirdupois.  453.60  grammes  =  1  pound  avoir- 
dupois. 31.1  grammes  =  1  ounce  Troy.  1  pound  Troy  =  5760  grains 
Troy.  1  kilogramme  =  1000  grammes,  or  =  35.30  ounces  avoirdu- 
pois, or  =  32.48  ounces  Troy.  100  grammes  =  3.53  ounces  avoirdu- 
pois, or  3.2  ounces  Troy.  1  inch  English  =  25.4  millimetres,  or  2.54 
centimetres.  1  foot  English  =  30.48  centimetres,  or  304.8  millimetres. 
The  imperial  gallon  contains  of  water  at  (62OF.  16fOC.)  70,000  grains. 
The  pint  (£  of  gallon)  "  "  "  8,750  " 

Tho  fluidounce  (2^of  pint)  "  "  "'  437.5" 


224  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Relations  of  the  Scales  of  the  Thermometers  of  Celsius-  (Centi- 
grade}, Reaumur,  and  Fahrenheit. 

Rules  to  find  the  relative  value  of  the  three  scales. 
Since,        •      180°  F.  =  100°  C.  =  80°  R., 
Therefore,  9°  F.  =      5°  C.  =    4°  R. 


Consequently,     1°  F.  =  '^C.  =  *R. 
J  •) 

no  40 

Also  1°  C.—      F.  —      R. 


i)  O. 

n  o  r  o 

And  1°  R.  =       F.sse-  C. 

4  4 

From  this  and  the  fact  that  the  temperature  denoted  by  32° 
on  the  Fahrenheit  scale,  corresponds  to  that  denoted  by  0°  on 
the  other  two  scales,  the  following  rules  are  derived : — 

1.  To  convert  F.  degrees  into  C.  degrees. 

Subtract  32  from  the  number  of  F.  degrees,  and  multiply  the 

remainder  by  -,  according  to  the  formula 

y 


.  =  (x—  .32°  X  °°)  C.     Thus 


212°  F.  ===  (212—32)  5  =  180  x  5-  =  100°  C. 

2.  To  convert  C,  degrees  into  F.  degrees. 

9 

Multiply  the  number  of   C.  degrees  by  -and  add  32  to  the 

o 


product,  according  to  the  formula  :  — 

x°  C.  *=  (x  x  -  +  32°)  F.     Thus 
' 


100°  C.  ==  100  x      4-  32  =  180  -f  32  ==  212°  F. 
5 


.    SCALES    OF    THE    THERMOMETER.  225 

# 

3.  To  convert  F.  degrees  into  R. 

Subtract  32  from   the  number  of  F.  degrees,  and  multiply 

the  remainder  by  -  according  to  the  formula:  — 

t7 

x°  F.  =  (x  —  32  x  1°)B.    Thus 
212°  F.  =  (212_  32)  =  180°  X  -  =  80°  R. 

c/ 

4.  To  convert  R.  degrees  into  F. 

Q 

Multiply  the  number  of  R.  degrees  by  _  and  add  32  to  the 
product,  according  to  the  formula  :  — 

x°R.=  (xx  9  -f-  32°)  F.     Thus 

80°  R.  =  80  x  -  +  32  =  180  +  32  =  212°  F. 

5.  To  convert  C.  derees  into  R. 
Multiply 

formula  :  — 


Multiply  the    number  of  C.  degrees  by  ~,  according  to  the 

5 


x°  C.  =  x  x      R- 

5 

100°  C.  =  100  x  -=±80°  R. 
5 

G.  To  convert  R.  degrees  into  C. 

g 
Multiply  by  -,  according  to  the  formula  :  — 

4 

x°  R.  =  x  x  -°C.     Thus 
•  4 

80°  R.  =  80  x  -  =  100°  C. 

The  table  on  next  page  will  give  the  comparative  values  of 
degrees  of  Reaumur,  Celsius,  and  Fahrenheit. 


2-20 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


Reaumur. 

Centigrade. 

Fahrenheit. 

Reaumur. 

Centigrade. 

Fahrenheit. 

Above  freezit  g-point. 

Above  freezing-point. 

4-80 
76 
72 
68 
64 
60 
56 
52 
48 
44 
40 
36 
32 
28 
24 
20 
16' 

4-100 

95 
90 
85 
80 
75 
70 
65 
60 
55 
50 
45 
40 
35 
30 
25 
20 

4-212 
203 
194 
185 
176 
167 

fe8 

140 
131 
122 
113 
104 
95 
86 
77 
68 

+12 

8 
4 
0 

4-15 
10 
5 
0 

4-59 
50 
41 
32 

Below  freezing-point. 

—  4 

8 
12 
16 
20 
24 
28 
32 
36 

—  5 
10 
15 
20 
25 
30 
35 
40 
45 

23 
14 

5 
—  4 
13 

22 
31 
40 
49 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERAL  CLASSIFICATION  OR  SYNOPSIS  OF 
THE  TABLES. 

Group  I. — Minerals  with  metallic  lustre.     (Of  those  minerals  whose 
lustre  may  be  doubtful,  only  such  are  here  included  as 
are  perfectly  opaque,  even  on  the  thinnest  edges.) 
Class  I. — Native  malleable  metals  and  mercury  (are  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  others),  see  page  230.     The  remaining 
minerals  form  the  following  groups  :  — 
Class  II. — Fusible  from  1-5,  or  readily  volatile. 

Division  1. — B.  B.,  on  charcoal  evolve  the  strong  garlic  odor 
of  arsenic,  page  232. 

Division  2. — B.  B.,  on  charcoal,  or  heated  in  an  open  glass 
tube,  give  the  horseradish  odor  of  selenium,  page  236. 

Division  3. — B.  B.,  on  charcoal,  a  whitish  deposit  is  obtained 
which  tinges  the  R.  F.  green  ;  in  presence  of  selenium, 
greenish-blue.  Heated  gently  in  a  small  flask  or  a  test- 
tube  with  an  excess  of  concentrated  sulphuric  acid, 
the  latter  assumes  a  purple-red  or  hyacinth-red  color, 
which  upon  the  addition  of  water  disappears,  while  a 
grayish-black  precipitate  of  tellurium  is  thrown  down, 
page  238. 


GENERAL    CLASSIFICATION    OR    SYNOPSIS.  227 

Division  4. — B.  B.,  on  charcoal,  or  in  an  open  glass  tube, 
evolve  copious  fumes  of  antimony,  page  240. 

Division  5. — Heated  in  an  open  glass  tube  give  off  sulphu- 
rous acid,  which  reddens  moistened  blue  litmus  paper. 
B.  B.,  with  soda  on  ehnreoal,  yield  hepar,  but  do  not 
give  reactions  of  the  preceding  divisions,  page  243. 

Division  6. — Not  belonging  to  the  preceding  divisions,  page 

248. 

Class  III. — Infusible,  or  fusibility  above  5,  and  not  volatile,  page 
251. 

Division  1. — B.  B.,  impart,  even  in  small  quantities,  to  the 
borax  bead  in  the  0.  F.,  the  amethystine  color  of  man- 
ganese, page  251. 

Division  2.— Are  magnetic,  or  B.  B.,  on  charcoal  become  so 
if  perseveringly  heated  in  the  R.  F.,  page  252. 

Division  3. — Not  included,  but  in  some  respects  related  to 
the  preceding  divisions,  page  254. 

Group  II. — Minerals  without  metallic  lustre. 

Class  I. — B.  B.,  volatilize  easily  or  are  combustible,  page  256. 
Class  II. — B.  B.,  fuse  easily  between  1-5,  and  volatilize  only  par- 
tially or  not  at  all,  page  2§8. 

Part  A. — B.  B.,  fused  with  soda  on  charcoal  yield  a  metallic 
globule,  or  when  fused  alone,  in  the  R.  F.,  form  a  mass 
which  acts  upon  the  magnetic  needle. 

Division  1. — B.  B.,  yield  with  soda  alone,  or  with  soda  and 
borax  together,  a  silver  globule. 

Those  decomposable  by  nitric  acid  yield,  when  their 
solution  is  treated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  a  white  pre- 
cipitate of  chloride  of  silver,  which  B.  B.  on  charcoal 
is  easily  reduced  to  metallic  silver,  page  258. 
Division  2. — B.  B.,  with  soda,  yield  a  lead  globule. 

The  nitric  acid  solution  gives,  upon  the  addition  of 
sulphuric  acid,  a  white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead, 
which  B.  B.  with  soda  on  charcoal  furnishes  metallic 
lead,  page  260. 

Division  3. — Moistened  with  hydrochloric  acid,  communi- 
cate to  the  blowpipe  flame  a  transient  blue  color,  and 
produce  with  nitric  acid  a  solution  which,  upon  addi- 
tion of  an  excess  of  caustic  ammonia,  turns,  azure  blue, 
page  263. 


228  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Section  i. — B.  B.,  fused  on  charcoal,  evolve  a  strong  arseni- 
cal odor,  page  264. 

Section  ii  — B   B.,  on  charcoal,  evolve  no  arsenical  odor, 

page  265. 
Division  4. — B.  B.,  impart  to  the  borax  bead  a  sapphire-blue 

color  (cobalt),  page  268. 

Division  5. — B.  B.,  fused  in  forceps,  or  melted  oh  charcoal 
in  the  R.  F.,  give  a  black  or  gray  metallic  mass,  acting 
upon  the  magnetic  needle,  but  do  not  belong  to  the  pre- 
ceding divisions,  page  268. 

Section  i. — Evolve,  when  fused,  a  strong  arsenical  odor, 
page  268. 

Section  ii.— Soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid  without  leaving  a 
perceptible  residue,  and  without  gelatinizing,  page  269. 

Section  iii. — With  hydrochloric  acid  form  a  jelly,  or  decom- 
pose with  separation  of  silica,  page  272. 

Section  iv. — Only  slightly  attacked  by  hydrochloric  acid, 

page  275. 
Division  6. — Not  included  in  the  foregoing  divisions,  page 

276. 
Part  B. — B.  B.,  fused  with  soda  on  charcoal  give  no  metallic 

globule,  or  fused  alone  in  R.  F.  do  not  become  magnetic. 
Division  1. — B.  B.,  after  fusion  and  continued  heating  on 
charcoal  or  in  the  forceps  (or  when  easily  fusible,  in  a 
platinum  spoon),  have  an  alkaline  reaction,  turning  the 
moistened  yellow  turmeric  paper  brown,*  or  rendering 
red  litmus  paper  blue,  page  277. 

Section  i. — In  water   easily   and   perfectly  soluble,  page 
277. 

Section  ii. — Insoluble  or  very  slightly  soluble  in  water, 

page  279. 

Division    2. — Soluble   in   hydrochloric    acid,    some   also   in 

water,  without  perceptible  residue ;    the  solution  does 

not  form  a  gelatinous  mass  upon  evaporation,  page  282. 

Division  3. — Entirely  soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid,  forming 

a  stiff  jelly  upon  evaporation,  page  286. 


*  Prof.  Kenngott  has  shown  that  many  silicates  and  other  com- 
pounds, before  and  after  fusion,  have  an  alkaline  reaction  when  they 
are  placed  on  turmeric  paper  in  the  form  of  powder  moistened  with 
water,  but  they  do  not  show  this  reaction  when  in  fragments. 


GENERAL    CLASSIFICATION    OR    SYNOPSIS.  229 

Section  i. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  give  water,  page  286. 
Section  ii. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube,   give  none  or  only 

traces  of  water,  page  287. 

Division  4. — Soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid,   the  silica  sepa- 
rating without  forming  a  perfect  jelly,  page  289. 
Section  i. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  give  water,  page  289. 
Section  ii. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  yield  110  water  or  only 

a  trace,  page  292. 

Division  5. — Are  only  slightly  attacked  by  hydrochloric 'acid, 
and  B.  B.   impart  to  borax  glass  a  deep  amethystine 
color  of  manganese,  page  294. 
Division  6. — Not  included  in  the  preceding  divisions,  page 

295. 
Class  III. — Infusible,  or  fusible  above  5. 

Division  1. — B.  B.,  after  previous  ignition,  assume  a  fine- 
blue   color   when  moistened   with    cobalt   solution  and 
again  ignited  (alumina),  page  303. 
Section1  i. — B.  B.,  yield  much  water  in    the  closed  tube, 

page  303. 
Section  ii. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  yield  little  or  no 

water,  page  306. 

Division  2. — Moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  ignited,  as- 
sume a  green  color  (zinc),  page  309. 

Division  3. — After  ignition,  B.  B.  have  an  alkaline  reaction, 
and  change  the  color  of  moistened  turmeric  paper  to 
reddish-brown,  or  red  litmus  paper  to  blue,  page  309. 
Division  4. — Completely  soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid,  or 
when  this  has  no  effect,  in  nitric  acid,  without  gelatin- 
izing by  evaporation  or  leaving  a  considerable  residue 
of  .silica,  page  311. 

Division  5. — Gelatinize  with  hydrochloric  acid,  or  are  decom- 
posed with  separation  of  silica,  page  316. 
Section  i. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  yield  water,  page  31(5.' 
Section  ii. — B.  B.,  in  the  closed  tube  yield  no  water  or  but 

traces,  page  320. 
Division  6. — Not  included  in  either  the  foregoing  divisions, 

page  321. 

Section  i. — Hardness  under  7,  page  321. 
Section  ii. — Hardness  7  or  above,  page  325. 

20 


230  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


GROUP  I.— MINERALS  WITH  METALLIC  LUSTRE, 

Of  the  minerals  which  show  an  imperfect  metallic  lustre, 
only  such  are  included  in  this  division  which  are  also  opaque, 
as  wolframite  (tungstate  of  iron),  chrome  iron  ore,  etc.  The 
following  are  ductile  and  malleable,  arid  are  easily  distinguished 
from,  others  by  their  physical  properties  : — 


Class  i. — Native  Malleable  Metals  and  Mercury, 

MALDONITE,  Au2B5.  Color,  silver-white  (tarnishing  black). 
B.  B.  upon  coal  readily  fusible,  producing  inodorous  bismuth 
fumes  (covering  the  coal  with  dark-brown  oxide,  which  turns 
pale-yellow  on  cooling)  ;  at  the  same  time  the  gold  collects  in 
a  globular  mass  on  the  coal.  By  fusing  the  mineral  together 
with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium,  the  coal  becomes  coated 
with  red  iodide  of  bismuth.  G.  8.2-9.7. 

NATIVE  SILVER,  Ag."  Color,  silver-white;  is  easily  solu- 
ble in  nitric  acid ;  the  solution  even  when  much  diluted  gives 
with  muriatic  acid  a  white  curdy  precipitate  of  chloride  of 
silver,  which,  exposed  to  the  light,  changes  color,  becoming 
bluish-gray.  It  is  easily  soluble  in  ammonia  from  which 
copper  foil  precipitates  it  in  the  form  of  metallic,  spongy  silver, 
assuming  its  natural  white  color  and  lustre  when  rubbed  in  an 
agate  mortar.  H.  2.5-0.  G.  10-11.  Moistened  with  sulphide 
of  ammonium,  bright  silver  at  once  becomes  yellowish-brown 
to  gray.  (Compare  Amalgam.') 

NATIVE  GOLD,  Au  and  Electrum  (gold  alloyed  with  silver, 
Ag  +  x  Au,  more  or  less  of  a  gold-yellow  color).  Native  gold 
is  soluble  only  in  nitro-muriatic  acid  (aqua  regia),  without 
perceptible  residue.  The  alloy  with  silver  is  partly  or  entirely 
decomposed  by  nitro-muriatic  acid  with  the  formation  of  chlo- 
ride of  silver,  which  remains  undissolved.  If  we  dilute  a  few 
drops  of  the  gold  solution,  concentrated  by  evaporation  with  much 
water  until  the  yellow  color  has  almost  disappeared,  and  then 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  231 

heat  this  liquid  in  a  porcelain  dish,  together  with  tin-foil  (stan- 
niol),  a  beautiful  purple  color  is  produced,  yielding,  when  left 
standing,  a  purple-red  deposit  of  stannate  of  protoxide  of  gold, 
the  so-called  "purple  of  Gassius."  Heated  to  boiling  with  some 
crystals  of  oxalic  acid,  the  metallic  gold  is  precipitated  as  a 
brown  powder,  which  by  rubbing  assumes  metallic  lustre.  The 
solution  gives  with  proto-sulphate  of  iron  (copperas)  the  same 
reddish-brown  precipitate  of  gold,  which,  by  rubbing,  assumes 
the  color  and  metallic  lustre  of  gold.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  15.6-19.5. 

NATIVE  COPPER,  Cu,  is  of  a  copper-red  color;  dissolves  in 
nitric  acid,  forming  a  sky-blue  solution  which  yields  with 
caustic  ammonia  a  blue  precipitate,  soluble  in  excess  to  a 
deep  azure-blue  liquid.  H.  2.75.  G.  8.5-8.9. 

NATIVE  LEAD,  Pb.  Of  a  lead-gray  color;  B.  B.  easily 
fused,  fuming  and  coating  the  coal  with  a  greenish-yellow 
oxide.  Dissolves  easily  in  nitric  acid,  and  the  solution  gives, 
with  muriatic  acid,  if  much  diluted,  no  precipitate,*  but,  on 
the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid,  a  heavy  white  precipitate  of 
sulphate  of  lead.  H.  1.5.  G.  11.3.. 

NATIVE  PLATINUM,  Pt  (H.  4.5-5.     G.  17-18),  and 

PALLADIUM,  Pd.  Both  are  infusible.  Platinum  is  of  a  steel- 
gray  color,  soluble  in  nitro-muriatic  acid,  but  not  in  nitric. 
Palladium  is  between  a  steel-gray  and  silver-white;  soluble  in 
nitric,  but  more  easily  in  nitro-muriatic  acid.  The  solution  of 
platinum  gives  with  carbonate  of  potassium  a  yellow  preci- 
pitate, insoluble  in  excess.  That  of  palladium  gives  a  brownish 
precipitate  soluble  in  excess  of  the  reagent.  H.  4.5-5.  G. 
11.8-12.2. 

NATIVE  IRON,  Fe ;  color  steel-gray ;  attracted  by  die  mag- 
net;  infusible;  soluble  in  muriatic  acid.  H.  4.5.  G.  7-7.8. 

Argentine  (sulphuret  of  silver),  is  malleable.  (Compare,  also, 
Hessite.) 

NATIVE  MERCURY,  Hg;  is  easily  recognized,  since  it  is 
fluid  at  common  temperature  ;  color,  tin-white.  G.  13.5-13.6. 

*  In  a  concentrated  solution  a  white  precipitate  of  chloride  of  lead 
is  formed,  soluble  in  much  wat««r. 


232  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  other  minerals  with  metallic  lustre  may  be  divided  into 
the  following  groups  : — 

Class  ii. — Fusibility  from  1 — 5,  or  easily  volatilized, 

Division  1 — B.  B.  on  coal  evolve  the  strong  garlic  odor  of 
arsenic. 

NATIVE  ARSENIC,  As  ;  volatilizes  B.  B.  without  fusing,  and 
sublimes  in  a  bolt-head  as  a  grayish-white  crystalline  coating. 
In  some  varieties  the  last  portion  fuses  before  volatilizing. 
Streak  and  fracture,  tin-white.  H.  3.5.  G.  5.7-5.8. 

Binnite.*  Composition  probably  Cu6As4SB.  B.  B.  fused 
and  then  moistened  with  HC1  colors  the  flame  blue  (chloride  of 
copper).  A  nitric  acid  solution  is  rendered  blue.  Ammonia 
and  this  reagent  give  no  precipitate  (iron).  In  the  closed 
tube  gives  a  sublimate  of  arsenic  sulphide;  in  the  open  tube,  a 
crystalline  sublimate  of  arsenic  trioxide  (As2O3)  with  vapor  of 
sulphur  dioxide  (SOa).  B.  B.  on  coal  gives  a  faint,  white  coat- 
ing and  odor  of  arsenic ;  with  soda  fuses  to  a  globule,  giving 
metallic  copper.  Lustre,  metallic  ;  color,  black  on  fresh  frac- 
ture; streak,  cherry-red;  brittle,  H.  4.5.  G.  4.4.  A  similar 
deportment  is  exhibited  by — 

Arsenomelane  and 

Jordanite  (PbaAs4S9).  The  latter  exhibits  a  lead-gray  color 
and  a  black  streak. 

Dufrenoysite^  Pb2As2S6. 

Tennantite,  Graukupfererz,  Cu8As2S7  (or  4CuaS-}-As2Ss). 

Polybasite  (Ag,Cu)9(Sb,As)S6. 

JSnart/ite,  Cu3AsS4, 

Rionite  (Cu,Fe)6(As,Bi)2S8. 

Domeykite,  Cu3As.     B.  B.  when   fused  on  coal,  and  then 

*  According  to  von  Kobell  this  species,  found  in  the  valley  of 
"Binnen,"  Switzerland,  consists  of  arsenite  of  lead,  containing  no 
copper.  Consult  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  p.  90. 

f  According  to  the  nomenclature  of  Prof.  Kenngott. 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  233 

moistened  with  HC1,  give  to  the  flame  a  blue  color.  The  solu- 
tion in  nitric  acid  yields,  with  caustic  ammonia  in  excess,  a 
sky-blue  liquid.  The  solution  of  polybasite  in  nitric  acid, 
yields,  with  HC1,  a  heavy  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver,  while 
the  others  give  only  a  slight  one  or  none  at  all.  A  strong  solu- 
tion of  caustic  potassa  extracts  on  long  boiling  from  all.  except 
dorneykite,  sulphuret  of  arsenic  (and  sulphuret  of  antimony), 
which,  when  the  previously  diluted  solution  is  treated  with  HC1, 
is  precipitated  in  lemon-yellow  flakes  (if  the  sulphuret  of  anti- 
mony predominates,  the  flakes  are  of  a  yellowish-red  color). 

Rionite,  when  fused  B,  B.  on  coal  with  sulphur  and  iodide 
of  potassium,  produces  a  red  deposit  of  iodide  of  bismuth  on 
the  coal,  while  the  others  do  not. 

Enurgite  is  plainly  cleavable  at  an  angle  of  98°  ;  the  others 
show  no  cleavage  at  all. 

Dufreiioysite  has  a  dark  steel-gray  color  and  a  reddish-brown 
streak. 

Tennantite  is  of  a  light  steel-gray  color, 
Dorneykite  is  silver-white,  with  a  yellow  tarnish.  The  nitric 
acid  solution  of  most  varieties  of  tennantite  yields  with  am- 
monia a  reddish-brown  precipitate  of  hydrated  sesquioxide  of 
iron.  The  solution  of  dufr£noysite  does  not.  Similar  to  that 
of  tennantite  is  the  deportment  of  epigenite.  The  latter,  how- 
ever, crystallizes  in  the  orthorhombic ;  the  former  in  the  iso- 
metric system.  In  the  neighborhood  of  domeykite  (G.  7  to 
7.5)  belong — 

Alyodonite  (of  Chile),  Cu6As  (with  83.5  per  cent,  of  Cu). 
H.  4;  G.  7.G. 

WTiitneyile,  Cu9As  (88.4  per  cent.  Cu),  color  bronze  to  red- 
dish-white, becoming  brown  on  exposure,  Malleable.  H.  3.5  ; 
G.  8.3.  Less  fusible  than  algodonite. 

Smaltite  (Speisskobalt),  Co  (Fe,Ni)  As2.  II.  5.5  ;  G.  G.37- 
7.3 

Skutterudite  (Tesseralkies),  CoAs3. 

Cobaltite  (glance-cobalt,  arsenio-sulphuret  of  cobalt),  Co, 
AsS.  H.  5.5;  G.  l.-fU. 

20* 


234  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Glaucodot  (Co,Fe),AsS,  and 

Alloclasite  (Co,Fe,Zn)  4(As,Bi7S9).  B.  B.  in  small  quanti- 
ties all  impart  to  a  borax  bead  a  fine  sapphire-blue  color.  By 
concentrated  nitric  acid  they  are  dissolved,  with  separation  of 
arsenious  acid.  The  solutions  have  a  red  color.  The  concen- 
trated solution  of  alloclasite  becomes  turbid  upon  the  addition 
of  water  (bismuth)  ;  the  others  give  no  such  reaction.  The 
solution  yields  with  soluble  glass  (silicate  of  potassium  solution) 
a  blue  precipitate. 

Smaltite  (smaltine),  skutterudite,  and  glaucodot  yield  B.  B. 
in  a  bolt-head,  heated  until  the  glass  begins  to  melt,  a  gray 
sublimate  of  metallic  arsenic.  Cobaltite  gives  no  sublimate  at 
all.  The  much  diluted  nitric  acid  solution  of  cobaltite  (cobal- 
tine)  and  glaucodot  give,  with  chloride  of  barium,  a  heavy 
deposit  of  sulphate  of  barium. 

Cobaltite  crystallizes  in  the  isometric  system,  and  has  octa- 
hedral cleavage  ;  skutterudite  a  cubical  one.  Glaucodot*  crys- 
tallizes in  the  orthorhombic  system  ;  cleavage,  basal  perfect ; 
prismatic  less  so.  The  nitric  acid  solutions  of  smaltite  and 
skutterudite  yield,  when  pure,  no  precipitate  with  chloride  of 
barium,  otherwise  a  slight  one  of  sulphate  of  barium.  Smaltite 
shows  no  cleavage,  while  skutterudite  cleaves  in  distinct  cubes. 

Some  varieties  of  smaltite  contain  much  nickel,  approaching 
chloanthite ;  in  which  case  their  solutions  in  nitric  acid  exhi- 
bit a  greenish  color.  The  nickel  is  recognized  distinctly  as 
follows:  The  mineral  powder  is  decomposed  with  a  small  quan- 
tity of  concentrated  nitric  acid,  and,  without  filtration,  ammo- 
nia gradually  added,  until  the  last  few  drops  of  that  reagent 
produces  a  distinctly  alkaline  reaction,  when  the  mixture,  with- 
out further  dilution  with  water,  is  filtered.  The  filtrate  is  sky- 
blue  if  nickel  is  present. 

Compare  the  following  (also  native  bismuth,  which  is  often 
contaminated  with  cobalt  ores).  Bismuth  is,  however,  readily 
recognized  from  the  fact  that  water  precipitates  it  white  from 

*  A  similar  behavior  like  glaucodote  is  exhibited  l>y  glancopyrite, 
Fe,  Co,  Cn,  Sl>,  As,  S. 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  235 

its  concentrated  nitric  acid  solution,  the  same  as  alloclasite, 
whose  color  is,  however,  steel-gray,  while  that  of  metallic  bis- 
muth is  reddish  silver-white. 

NICCOLITE  (nickeline  or  .copper  nickel,  or  rothnickelkies), 
Ni2As.  H.  5.25.  G.  7.5. 

doanthite,*  or  weissnickelkies  (Co,Ni)As2,  and 

Gersdorjfite,  or  nickel  glance,  or  arsenio-sulphuret  of  nickel, 
NiSAs.  H.  5.  G.  6. 

These  give,  when  boiled  with  nitro-muriatic  acid,  an  apple- 
green  solution.  Caustic  ammonia  in  excess  produces  a  sap- 
phire-blue liquid.  Potnssa  and  silicate  of  potassium  (soluble 
glass)  added  to  the  solutions  give  greenish  precipitates.  Chlo- 
ride of  barium  produces  in  the  dilute  acid  solution  of  gersdorf- 
fite  a  heavy  precipitate  ;  in  the  other  two  none,  or  only  a  feeble 
one. 

Niccolite  and  gersdorffite,  when  heated  in  closed  glass  tube, 
give  no  sublimate  of  metallic  arsenic,  but  cloanthite*  does.  A 
similar  deportment  is  shown  by  chatamite,  whose  solution  yields, 
however,  with  an  excess  of  ammonia,  a  reddish-brown  precipi- 
tate (hydrated  ferric  oxide).  Further, 

Corynite^i  Ni( As,Sb)S,  and 

Wolfachite,  Ni(As,Sb)S,  B.  B.  on  coal  yield  arsenic  and 
antimony  fumes,  and  produce  with  soda  hepar.f  These  min- 
erals usually  show  the  reaction  for  cobalt. 

The  color  of  niccolite  is  light  copper-red ;  of  chloanthite  and 
chatamite,  tin-white;  that  of  gersdorffite,  light  lead-gray, 
inclining  to  tin-white.  Corynite,  is  silver-white  to  steel-gray; 
wolfachite,  silver-white.  Compare  ulmannite  (riickeliferous 
gray  antimony)  which  contains  arsenic,  and  in  that  case  re- 
sembles gersdorffite  in  its  behavior. 

ARSENOPYRITE,  or  arsenio-sulphuret  of  iron,  or  mispickel, 
FeS24-FeAs.  B.  B.  in  a  bolt-head  yields  a  sublimate  of  metal- 

*  Chloanthite  is,  according  to  Dana,  only  a  variety  of  smaltite  ;  it 
crystallizes  in  the  isometric  system,  whilst  rammelsbergite,  NiAs,  of 
like  composition,  crystallizes  in  the  orthorhombic  system. 

f  Corynitc  is  isometric;  wolfachito,  orthorhombic. 


236  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

lie  arsenic;  on  coal  it  fuses  to  a  black,  and,  after  long  blowing, 
to  a  magnetic  globule,*  thereby  covering  the  coal  with  white 
arsenious  acid.  In  nitric  acid  it  is  soluble  with  separation  of 
sulphur  and  arsenious  acid.  The  solution  gives,  with  caustic 
ammonia,  a  reddish-yellow  precipitate.  Fracture,  silver-white, 
inclining  to  gray.  H.  5-5.5  G.  6-6.2. 

Compare  native  bismuth  and  native  antimony,  which  often 
contain  arsenic,  but  are  easily  recognized  by  their  fusibility  at 
a  low  temperature,  and  the  white  or  yellow  coating  which  they 
give  to  coal.  Some  proustite  and  pyrargyrite  show  often  a 
submetallic  lustre,  but  are  readily  distinguished  by  their  cochi- 
neal-red streak. 

Division  2. — B.  B.  on  coal,  or  in  open  glass  tube,  evolve  the 
strong  horseradish  odor  of  selenium. 

GuANAJUATiTEf  (Frenzelite),  selenide  of  bismuth  (B52Se3). 
B.  B.  fuses  readily,  colors  the  flame  blue,  and  gives  when  fused 
with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium  upon  charcoal  a  red  coat- 
ing of  iodide  of  bismuth.  H.  2.5-3.5.  G.  6.25. 

Tiemannite  (selenide  of  mercury)  (HgSe,)  and  Lehrba- 
chite  (selenide  of  mercury  and  lead)  (P,Hg)8e.  B.  B.  yield 
with  soda,  in  a  bolt-head,  metallic  mercury  ;  this  is  likewise 
the  case  when  the  mineral  powder  is  mixed  with  iron  powder, 
and  the  mixture  wrapped  in  copper  foil  is  heated  in  a  glass 
tube.  Lehrbachite  gives  with  soda  on  coal,  globules  of  lead  ; 
tiemannite  does  not.  Both  volatilize  readily,  tiemannite  while 
fusing,  lehrbachite  before  fusing.  Color  of  the  former  is 
steel-gray  to  blackish  lead-gray,  that  of  the  latter  lead-gray. 

Guadalcazarite  (Hg,Zn),  (S,Se).  Gives  the  reaction  of 
mercury  and  also  of  sulphur.  Hence,  when  the  mineral  powder 

*  A  similar  behavior  is  exhibited  by  liillingite,  leucopyrite,  arse- 
niuret  of  iron,  FeAs2,  which,  after  the  expulsion  of  arsenic,  fuses  im- 
perfectly and  with  difficulty  on  its  edges.  Specific  gravity  7.2.  With 
iron  it  produces  no  hepar,  or  the  reaction  is  but  feeble. 

f  See  E.  S.  Dana's  Text-book,  1880,  page  211. 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  237 

is  heated  together  with  iron-powder  and  the  mass  treated  with 
muriatic  acid,  sulphide  of  hydrogen  is  evolved.  Color  is  iron- 
gray,  streak  black.  H.  2.  G.  7.15. 

CLAUSTHALITE  (seleniuret  of  lead,  Selenblei,  PbSe).  B.B. 
volatilizes  chiefly  without  fusion,  and  coats  the  coal  with  a 
feeble  metallic  gray,  and  then  with  a  white  and  greenish -yellow 
color.  It  yields  with  some  difficulty,  by  means  of  soda,  a  glo- 
bule of  lead.  Dissolved  in  nitric  acid  it  is  precipitated  by 
sulphuric  acid,  sulphate  of  lead  being  formed.  Heated  with 
concentrated  sulphuric  acid  until  the  latter  commences  to 
escape  in  vapor  form,  it  yields  a  fine  green  solution,  from  which 
water  throws  down  a  fine  red  precipitate,  or  produces  cloudi- 
,  ness  of  the  same  color  (selenium).  Color,  lead-gray.  H.  2.5-3. 
G.  8.2-8.8. 

NAUMANNITE  (seleniuret  or  silver,  Selensilber  (  Ag,Pb)5Se3). 
B.  B.  fuses  easily,  and  in  the  O.  F.  quietly ;  in  the  R.  F.  with 
intumescence  ;  with  soda  and  borax  it  yields  a  globule  of  silver. 
Dissolves  in  concentrated  nitric  acid  ;  the  solution  throws  down 
with  muriatic  acid  a  strong  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver. 
Color,  iron-black.  H.  2.5.  G.  8. 

Berzelianite  (seleniuret  of  copper,  Selenkupfer),  Cu2Se. 

Raphanosrnite  (seleniuret  of  copper  and  lead},  Seleribleikup- 
fer,  (Pb,Cu2)Se,  and 

Jtucairite  (seleniuret  of  silver  and  copper),  (Cu,Ag)2,$e. 
B.  B.  on  coal  fuse  to  a  metallic  globule,  which,  moistened  with 
muriatic  acid,  imparts  to  the  flame  a  blue  color.  They  are 
soluble  in  concentrated  nitric  acid,  and  the  solutions  treated 
with  caustic  ammonia  in  excess  assume  an  azure-blue  color. 
The  solution  of  eucairite  gives,  with  muriatic  acid,  a  heavy 
precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver  ;  that  of  raphanosmite  with  sul- 
phuric acid,  a  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead  ;  that  of  berzelia- 
nite  affords  no  precipitate  with  either  of  the  acids.  Color  of 
berzelianite  is  silver-white;  that  of  eucairite  and  raphanosmite, 
lead-gray. 

Crookesite  (Cu2Tl,Ag)8e  is  similar  to  berzelianite,  con- 
taining 17.25  per  cent,  of  thallium,  and  coloring  the  flame 
vivid  jrreen. 


238  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Division  3. — B.  B.  on  coal  yield  a  whitish  deposit,  which  colors 
the  reducing  flame  greenish  or  greenish-blue.*  Impart  to 
concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  when  gently  heated  with  it  in 
a  test-tube,  a  purple-red  or  hyacinthine  color,  which, 
upon  the  addition  of  water  disappears,  while  a  blackish- 
gray  precipitate  forms  (tellurium}. 

Collecting  the  precipitate  upon  a  filter  and  drying  it,  it  im- 
parts to  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  when  heat  is  first  applied, 
a  purple  color,  which  again  disappears  upon  continued  heating. 
B.  B.  most  compounds  of  tellurium  evolve  on  charcoal  the 
horseradish  odor  of  selenium,  caused  by  an  accidental  trace  of 
this  element. 

The  ores  of  tellurium  may,  by  their  color,  be  divided  into 
two  groups. 

(a)  Those  of  a  tin  or  silver-white  color. 

NATIVE  TELLURIUM,  Te.  B.  B.  fuses  easily  ;  can  be 
entirely  volatilized  ;  fumes  strongly,  and  burns  with  a  greenish 
flame.  In  nitric  acid  it  is  soluble  without  residue  ;  the  solu- 
tion gives  with  potassa  a  white  precipitate  mostly  soluble  in 
excess  ;  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid  causes  no  perceptible  precipi- 
tate. Color,  tin-white  to  silver-white.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  6.1-G.3.. 

MELONITE,  Ni2Te2.  Hexagonal,  reddish-white,  dark-gray 
streak. 

HESSITE  (telluret  of  silver,  Tellursilber),  Ag2Te  (sectile) 
and  .:• 

ALTAITE  (telluret  of  lead,  Tellurblei),  PbTe,  are  soluble 
in  nitric  acid  without  residue.  The  solution  of  the  first  in 
excess  of  nitric  acid  forms  no  precipitate  with  sulphuric  acid, 
while  the  second  gives  a  heavy  deposit  of  sulphate  of  lead. 
B.  B.  the  first  mineral  gives,  with  soda,  a  globule  of  silver, 

*  If  the  ificrusted  coal  is  held  over  a  watch  glass  containing  sulphide 
of  ammonium,  the  vapors  of  the  latter  render  the  coat  brownish,  while, 
under  the  same  circumstances,  a  coat  of  antimony  would  turn  oranye- 
red. 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  239 

containing  sometimes  gold.  Hessite  is  malleable.  Altaite  is 
only  sectile.  Color,  tin-white. 

MUELLERITE  (cwrotellurite,  Weisstellur),  (Au,Ag,Pb),Te3, 
Sb.  Is  chiefly  soluble  in  nitric  acid  with  separation  of  the 
gold ;  with  muriatic  acid  the  solution  affords  a  precipitate  of 
sulphate  of  lead.  Color,  silver-white,  inclining  to  brass-yellow. 
Brittle.  (Belongs  probably  to  Sylvanite.) 

Compare  the  following  : — 

(6)  Those  which  have  a  lead-gray  or  steel-gray  color. 

TETRADYMITE  (telluret  of  bismuth),  Bi,(Te,S)3.  B.  B.  fuses 
to  a  silver-white,  brittle,  metallic  globule  ;  yields,  when  fused 
upon  coal  with  iodide  of  potassium,  a  red  precipitate.  Dissolves 
easily  in  nitric  acid,  with  separation  of  sulphur ;  the  solution 
yields  with  sulphuric  or  muriatic  acid,  no  precipitate;  with 
potassa,  a  white  precipitate  insoluble  ,in  excess.  Color,  light 
lead-gray.  The  thin  laminae  somewhat  elastic.  A  similar 
compound  is  Joseite,  Bi12Te4SeS3.  H.  Ig2.  G.  7.5. 

SVLVANITE  (graphic  tellurium3  Schrifterz),  (Au,Ag)Te3.* 
B.  B.  soon  fuses,  and  after  long  blowing  is  reduced  to  a  ductile, 
metallic  globule.  In  nitric  acid  it  is  imperfectly  soluble,  in 
nitro-muriatic  acid  entirely  so,  with  precipitation  of  chloride 
of  silver.  The  solution  gives  no  precipitate  on  the  addition  of 
sulphuric  acid.  Color,  light  steel-gray. 

Nagyagite  (telluret  of  gold  and  lead,  Blattererz),  Pb,Au, 
T<',S.  B.  B.  fuses  easily,  and  after  long  blowing,  to  a  mallea- 
ble, metallic  globule.  In  nitric  acid  it  is  easily  and  chiefly 
soluble;  the  solution  yields,  with  sulphuric  acid,  a  heavy  pre- 
cipitate of  sulphate  of  lead.  When  heated  with  concentrated 
sulphuric  acid,  a  solution  is  obtained  of  a  hyacinthine  or  brown- 
ish-yellow color,  not  exhibiting,  as  in  the  previous  cases,  a  fine 
red  hue.  Water  discolors  the  liquid  with  separation  of  tellu- 
rium. Color,  blackish  lead-gray.  H.  1-1.5.  G.  6.8-7.2. 

(Compare,  also,  belonite.) 

*  Petzite  (Ag,Au)2Te,  shows  a  similar  composition,  but  contains 
more  silver. 


240  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Division  4. —  B.  B.  on  charcoal  evolve  copious  fumes  of  anti- 
mony. 

The  fumes  are  nearly  inodorous,  or  smell  of  sulphurous  acid, 
or  have  a  feeble,  arsenical  odor  caused  by  the  sulphur  in  the 
ores,  or  an  accidental  trace  of  arsenic. 

By  the  first  action  of  the  flame,  the  vapor  coats  the  coal 
white  (oxide  of  antimony),  which  coating  submitted  to  the  R. 
F.  does  not  alter  the  color  of  the  flame.  When  this  coating  is 
collected  in  a  glass  tube,  and  exposed  to  the  vapors  of  sulphide 
of  ammonium,  it  turns  orange,  sulphide  of  antimony  being  pro- 
duced. 

NATIVE  ANTIMONY,  Sb.     H.  3.3-5.     G.  6.6-6.8. 

STIBNITE  (sulphuret  of  antimony,  Antimonglanz),  SbS3. 

ZINKENITE  (antimonial  sulphuret  of  lead),  PbSbS4. 

J.VMESONITE  (sulphuret  of  antimony  and  lead),  Pb2SbS5. 

BOURNONITE  (antimonial  sulphuret  of  lead  and  copper), 
3(Cu,Pb)SSbS3.  B.  B.  volatilizes  entirely  or  principally. 
Native  antimony  is  distinguished  by  its  tin-white  color.  Heated 
B.  B.  it  continues  to  burn  without  further  blowing,  and  covers 
the  globule  of  metal  with  white,  needle-shaped  crystals  of  oxide.* 
Stibnite  (antimonite,  antimony  glance),  in  powder  form,  it  is 
soon  changed  to  an  ochre-yellow  by  a  strong  solution  of  potassa, 
in  which  it  is  also  chiefly  soluble  ;  hydrochloric  acid  precipitates 
it  in  yellowish-red  flakes.  Color  of  this  mineral  is  lead-gray, 
inclining  to  steel-gray. 

Zttikenite,  jamesonite,  and  bournonite  are  of  a  steel-gray 
color.  Digested  in  powder  form  with  potassa  solution  they  do 
not  change  their  color  ;  the  potassa,  however,  when  boiled  down 
nearly  to  dryness,  extracts  the  sulphuret  of  antimony,  which 
may  be  precipitated  by  hydrochloric  acid  in  yellowish-red  or 
orange  flakes.  ZinJcenite  and  jamesonite  are  converted  by 
nitric  acid  into  a  white  pulverulent  oxide  without  changing  the 
color  of  the  acid,  which  dissolves  only  a  small  portion.  Bour- 

*  Compare  native  bismuth  and  bismuthinite. 


AIINEliALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  241 

nonite  partially  dissolves  to  a  sky-blue  solution,  yielding,  with 
sulphuric  acid,  a  white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead,  and  with 
caustic  ammonia  in  excess  an  azure-blue  liquid  (copper). 

Stylotypite  (Cua,Ag,Fe)3SbS6,  shows  a  similar  deportment 
to  bournonite,  but  its  solution  in  aqua  regia  yields  no  precipi- 
tate with  sulphuric  acid.  H.  3.  G.  4.8. 

'  Zinkenite  is  not  cleavable.  Hardness,  3.5.  Jamesonite  is 
generally  cleavable  in  one  direction.  Hardness,  2.5.  These 
minerals  are  related  in  their  chemical  characters  to  the  follow- 
ing rare  compounds,  which  are  all  sulphurets  of  lead  and  anti- 
mony, viz  : — 

Boulangerite,  Pb3SbS6. 
f  Geocronite,  Pb5SbS8. 
I  Kilbrickenite.* 

Plagionite,  PbSbS. 

Meneghinite,  Pb4ShS7. 

Some  antimonites  mixed  with  gatenite  (galena)  behave  similarly, 
likewise  kobellite  =  Pb3BiSbS6  (or  3PbS+  (Bi.Sb).2S3),  which  con- 
tains 35  per  cent,  of  sulphide  of  bismuth.  B.  B.  when  fused  together 
with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium  on  charcoal,  it  affords  a  red  and 
yellow  coating.  When  the  nitric  acid  solution  is  treated  with  sul- 
phuric acid,  white  sulphate  of  lead  is  precipitated. 

DYSCRASITE  (antimonial  silver,  Antimonsilber=  Ag3Sb). 

STEPHANITE  (antimonial  sulphuret  of  silver),  Ag5$bS8  (or 
5AgS  -f  SbS3).  H.  2-5.5.  G.  6.2. 

TETUAiiEDUiTEt  (gray  copper  ore,  Fahlerz.) 

Antimonfahlerz,  CugSb2S7,  with  (Cu2)  replaced  by  (Fe), 
(Zn),  (Ag2)  or  (Hg). 

*  According  to  Dana  and  Brush  identical  with  Geocronite. 

f  Polytelile,  v.  Kobell.  Varieties  of  Antimonfahlerz,  when  poor  in 
silver,  are  distinguished  from  those  rich  in  silver,  by  yielding  from 
their  nitric  acid  solution  a  slight  precipitate  with  HCl.  All  the  varie- 
ties containing  copper  furnish  nitric  acid  solutions,  which  turn  azure 
blue  by  an  excess  of  ammonia.  (See  Polytelite,  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min., 
pp.  101,  104,  804.) 
21 


242  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Miarygyrite  (sulphuret  of  antimony  and  silver),  AgSbS4. 
B.  B.  yields  with  soda,  or  soda  and  borax,  a  malleable  silver 
globule,  and  the  nitric  acid  solution  yields,  with  muriatic  acid, 
a  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver.  Dyscrasite  has  a  silver- 
white  color,  and  gives  with  soda  no  hepar.  Is  not  attacked  by 
potassa.  All  the  others  give,  with  soda,  hepar,  and  potassa 
solution  extracts  sulphuret  of  antimony,  which  is  precipitated 
in  orange-colored  flakes  by  muriatic  acid.  Stephanite  and 
miargyrite  are  partially  soluble  in  nitric  acid,  oxide  of  anti- 
mony being  deposited  ;  the  solution  treated  with  caustic  am- 
monia in  excess  acquires  none  or  only  a  feeble  bluish  tint ; 
that  of  tetrahedrite  (polytelite,  v.  Kobell)  assumes  a  sky-blue 
color.  The  color  of  stephanite  is  between  an  iron-black  and  a 
blackish  lead-gray.  Streak,  black.  Hardness,  2.5.  Miargyrite 
is  iron-black,  inclining  to  light  steel-gray.  Streak,  dark  cherry- 
red.  Hardness,  2.5.  Tetrahedrite  (polytelite)  is  between  steel- 
gray  and  iron-black.  Hardness,  3.5.  Streak,  grayish -black. 

Broyniardite  (Pb,Ag)aSbS5,  is  an  ore  which  shows  a 
similar  deportment  like  the  preceding.  It  crystallizes  in  the 
isometric  system  (octahedrons).  "When  decomposed  by  nitric 
acid,  sulphate  of  lead  separates. 

Freieslebenite  (Pb,Ag).,Sb2,S11,  and 

Diaphorite,  Ag3SbS3. 

The  former  crystallizes  in  the  monoclinic  and  the  latter  in 
the  trimetric  (orthorhombic)  system. 

(Compare  also  pyrargyrite  (ruby  silver  ore),  Ag3SbS6.) 

SPANIOLITE  (gray  copper,  Quecksilberfahlerz),  (Cu,Hg) 
SbS.  The  nitric  acid  solution  is  colored  azure-blue  by  an 
excess  of  ammonia.  It  affords  mercury  when  ground  together 
with  iron-powder  and  soda,  then  the  whole  wrapped  in  copper- 
foil  and  heated  in  a  glass  tube.  H.  3.5.  G.  8.1. 

CHALCOSTIBITE  (sulphuret  of  copper  and  antimony,  Kupfer- 
antimonglanz),  Cu2SbS4.  B.  B.  roasted  on  coal  with  soda 
for  some  time  yields'  a  copper  globule.  HC1  (hydrochloric 
acid)  produces  no  precipitate  in  the  nitric  acid  solution.  An 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  243 

excess  of  ammonia  renders  the  solution  azure-blue.  Color, 
lead-gray  to  iron- black.  H.  3.5.  G.  4.8. 

ULLMANNITE  (nickeliferous  gray  antimony,  Nickelantimon- 
glanz),  Ni2SbS2.  H.  5.5.  G.  6.8. 

BREITHAUPTITE  (antimonial-riickel,  Antimonnickel),  Ni2, 
Sb,  and 

BERTHIERITE  (sulphuret  of  antimony  and  iron),  FeSbS4. 
B.  B.  on  coal  yield,  after  long  blowing,  a  magnetic  globule. 
Breitliauptite  fuses  with  difficulty ;  muriatic  acid  attacks  it 
with  difficulty ;  aqua  regia  readily  and  completely  dissolves  it. 
Color,  between  copper-red  and  violet.  Ullmannite  fuses 
readily ;  muriatic  acid  attacks  it  with  difficulty  ;  aqua  regia 
dissolves  it  with  separation  of  sulphur.*  Color,  between  lead- 
gray  and  steel-gray.  Berthierite  fuses  without  difficulty ;  and  is 
easily  dissolved  in  muriatic  acid  with  evolution  of  sulphuretted 
hydrogen.  Color,  steel-gray  inclined  to  brown. 

Division  5 — Heated  in  an  open  glass-tube  give  sulphurous 
acid,,  which  reddens  a  strip  of  moistened  blue  litmus 
paper  placed  in  the  end.  B.  B.  with  soda  give  hepar, 
without  presenting  the  general  characters  mentioned  in 
the  preceding  numbers. 

ARGENTITE  (sulphuret  of  silver,  silverglance,  Glaserz), 
AgS  and  Jalpaite  (Ag,Cu2)S  can  easily  be  distinguished  from 
the  following  by  being  malleable  and  sectile  like  lead. 

The  nitric  acid  solution  yields  with  hydrochloric  acid,  a  heavy 
precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver.  The  addition  of  ammonia 
colors  the  solution  of  Jalpaite  blue,  that  of  Argentite  remains 
colorless.  B.  B.  on  charcoal,  heated  with  cyanide  of  potassium, 
Jalpaite  yields  a  silver  globule  containing  copper. 

Acanthite,  AgS,  is  distinguished  from  argentite  only  by  the 
crystalline  form.  "  The  former  crystallizes  in  the  trimelric, 
the  latter  in  the  isometric  system. 

*  In  other  respects  the  solutions  of  the  first  two  show,  with  am- 
monia, the  s:imr  deportment  that  is  mentioned  in  (1)  of  nickeliiie. 


244  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Alabandite,  MnS,  and 

flauerite,  Mn82,  can  be  distinguished  by  the  color  of  their 
powders.  That  of  the  first  is  leek-green,  that  of  the  second 
brownish-red.  Both  yield,  when  boiled  down  with  a  mixture 
of  phosphoric  and  nitric  acid,  a  handsome  violet  liquid. 

Cinnabar,  HgS,  usually  of  a  red,  in  many  varieties  of  a 
lead-gray  color,  is  characterized  by  the  red  streak.  When 
mixed  with  iron-powder,  wrapped  in  copper-foil,  and  heated 
in  a  glass-tube,  metallic  mercury  is  produced. 

(Compare  proustite  and  pyrargyrite.) 

GALENITE  (sulphuret  of  lead,  galena,  Bleiglanz),  PhS.  B.  B. 
with  soda  is  easily  reduced  to  metallic  lead,  coating  the  coal 
with  a  greenish-yellow  oxide.  In  concentrated  nitric  acid  it 
readily  dissolves  with  separation  of  sulphur  and  sulphate  of 
lead.  Color,  lead-gray.  Cleavable  in  cubes.  The  nitric  acid 
solution  of  galenite  is  not  colored  blue  with  an  excess  of  ammo- 
nia, which  is,  however,  the  case  with  the  next.  H.  2.5.  G.  7.5. 

CUPKOPLUMBITE  (Kupfcrbleiglanz),  Cu2S,2PbS.  B.  B.  the 
latter  exhibits  otherwise  a  deportment  similar  to' that  of  galenite. 

HUASCOLITE  is  a  zinciferous  variety  of  the  preceding,  and 
very  similar  in  its  behavior. 

CiiALCOCiTE  (suphuret  of  copper,  Kupferglanz),  Cu2$. 
H.  2.5-3.  G.  7.5. 

STROMEYERITE  (sulphuret  of  silver  and  copper,  Silberkup- 
forglanz),  AgCu2S. 

WITTICHENITE  (sulpuhuret  of  copper  and  bismuth,  Kupfer- 
wismutherz),  Cu3BiS3. 

STANNINE  (tin  pyrites,  sulphuret  of  tin,  Zinnkies),  (Cu,Sn, 
Fe,  Zn,)  S. 

CHALCOPYRITE  (copper  pyrites,  sulphuret  of  copper  and 
iron,  Kupferkies),  Cu2Fe2S4.  H.  3.5.  G.  4.3. 

CUBAN  (Cubanite),  Cu2Fe4S4. 

BORNITE  (erubescite,  variegated  copper,  Buntkupfererz),* 
(Cu2Fe)S.  H.  3.  G.  5. 

*  A  copper  ore  of  similar  color  and  tarnishing  like  bornite,  is  cas- 
tillite  =  (CuAg)2  -\-  2(Cu,Pb,Zn,Fe)S.  It  is  considered  to  be  an 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  245 

BELONITE,  aikinite  (acicular  bismuth,  Nadelerz),  CuPb 
BiSr 

SAYNITE  griinanite  (bismuth  nickel,  Nickelwismuthglanz), 
Ni,Bi,Fe,Cu,S. 

CUPROPLUMBITE,  Cu2S,2PbS,  and 

PENTLANDITE  (sulphuret  of  iron  and  nickel,  Eisennickel- 
kies),  (Fe,Ni)S,  are  partially  soluble  in  nitric  acid  to  a  sky- 
blue  or  greenish  liquor,  which,  with  ammonia  in  excess, 
assumes  an  azure-blue  or  a  deep  blue  color.  If  the  blue 
ammoniacal  liquor  is  strongly  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid, 
and  a  strip  of  blank  sheet-iron  put  into  it,  all  the  previously 
mentioned  minerals,  with  exception  of  saynite  and  pentlandite 
(provided  these  two  are  free  from  an  admixture  of  chalcopyrite), 
throw  down  metallic  copper.  The  color  of  chalcopyrite*  and 
cubanite  is  brassy-yellqw,  the  latter  cleavable  in  hexadrons,  the 
former  not.  The  color  of  bornite  is  between  copper-red  and 
pinchbeck-brown.  That  of  pentlandite,  light  bronze  yellow. 
B  B.  these  ores  melt  to  a  steel-gray,  brittle  globule  which  is 
attracted  by  the  magnet.  Pentlandite  acts  upon  the  magnetic 
needle.  H.  3.5-4.  G.  4.6. 

In  order  to  distinguish  the  others  (the  colors  of  which  are 
gray),  we  proceed  as  follows  : — 

a.  The  saturated  nitric  acid  solution  gives,  upon  the  addition 
of  water,  a  white  precipitate  with  wittichite,  saynite,  and 
belonite.  B.  B.  all  three  yield,  when  mixed  in  powder  form 
with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium  and  then  fused  on  char- 
coal (by  continuous  blowing),  a  red  coat  of  iodide  of  bismuth. 
In  the  acid  solution  of  belonite,  sulphuric  acid  produces  a 
white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead,  which  does  not  take  place 
with  the  others.  (Compare  chiviatite.) 

argentiferous  bornite.     When  decomposed  by  nitric  acid,  a  residue  of 
sulphate  of  lead  remains  behind. 

*  A  mineral  much  resembling  chalcopyrite  is  barnhardtite  (homich- 
line)  Cu4Fe2S5.  Color,  brass-yellow  ;  the  fresh  fracture  tarnishes  to  a 
golden-yellow  in  twenty-four  hours. 

21* 


246  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

B.  B.  on  coal,  ivittichite  yields  with  soda  a  copper  globule  ;* 
saynite,  a  gray,  nickeliferous,  strongly  magnetic  globule. 

b.  The  saturated  nitric  acid  solution  furnishes  with  water  no 
precipitate,  but  with  sulphuric  acid  a  white  one  of  sulphate  of 
lead  ;  the  mineral  is  cuproplumbite. 

c.  The  nitric  acid  solution  produces  neither  with  water  nor 
sulphuric   acid,  any  precipitate,   but  if  muriatic  acid   throws 
down  white  chloride  of  silver — the  mineral  is  stromeyerite. 

d.  Neither  of  the  reagents  alluded  to  having  any  effect,  or 
producing  but  a  very  slight   precipitation,  we  arrive  at  chal- 
cosite  and  stannite. 

(Compare  tetrahedrite.) 

Chalcosite  on  coal  B.  B.  gives,  after  long  blowing,  a  malle- 
able copper  globule  ;  is  soluble  in  nitric  acid  with  separation  of 
sulphur;  color,  between  blackish  lead-gray  and  steel-gray.  But 
stannite  alone  gives  no  malleable  or  metallic  globule ;  is  dis- 
solved by  nitric  acid  with  separation  of  sulphur  and  oxide  of 
tin  ;  color,  between  steel-gray  and  brass-yellow. 

Chalcosite  crystallizes  in  the  trimetric  system.  Other  simi- 
lar sulphides  of  copper  are  : — 

Carmenite.^ 

Digenite. 

Cupreine  (hexagonal). 

Millerite  (sulphuret  of  nickel,  Ilaarkies),  NiS. 

Linneite,  linnceite  (cobalt  pyrites,  Schwefelkobalt),  COSS4 
(or  2CoS  +  Co82).  A  variety  is  called  siegenite,  carrollite, 
=Co2CuS4. 

PYRITE  (iron  pyrites,  bisulphuret  of  iron,  Eisenkies), 
FeS2.  H.  6-6.5.  G.  4,9. 

*  A  deportment  similar  to  wittichite  is  exhibited  by  tannenite  and 
klaprothite. 

f  According  to  Dana  (System  of  Min.  1872,  p.  53),  carmenite  is 
a  mixture  of  chalcocite  and  covellite.  Digenite  and  cupreine  result 
also  probably  from  alterations  according  to  him,  see  p.  53. 


MINERALS    WITH    METABLIC    LUSTRE.  247 

PYRROTIIITE  (Pyrrhotine,  magnetic  pyrites,  Magnetkies), 
Fe7S8,  and 

STERNBERGITE  (sulphuret  of  silver  and  iron),  (AgFe)S. 
B.  B.  are  reduced  to  a  magnetic  globule  which,  moistened  with 
muriatic  acid,  imparts  to  the  flame  no  perceptible  change  of 
color  except  carrollite  which,  under  these  circumstances,  colors 
the  flame  blue  ;  the  partial  nitric  acid  solution  is  not  blue.  B. 
B.  linnaeite  and  carrollite  render  a  borax  bead  sapphire-blue ; 
in  nitric  acid  both  dissolve  perfectly  and  easily,  forming  a  rose- 
red  solution  which  gives,  with  chloride  of  barium,  a  white  pre- 
cipitate. From  the  solution  of  carrollite,  iron  wire  precipitates 
metallic  copper.  Color,  between  tin-white  and  light  steel-gray. 
Sternbergite  B.  B.  is  partly  reducible  to  silver  ;  the  partial 
nitric  acid  solution  gives,  with  muriatic  acid,  a  heavy  precipi- 
tate of  chloride  of  silver.  Color,  dark  tombac-brown.  Pyrite 
and  pyrrhotite  B.  B.  give  only  the  reaction  of  iron  and 
sulphur. 

Pyrite*  before  fusion  does  not  act  on  the  magnetic  needle  ; 
is  only  slightly  attacked  by  muriatic  acid.  Aqua  regia  forms 
a  solution  which  with  ammonia  yields  a  brownish  red  precipi- 
tate insoluble  in  an  excess  and  not  rendering  the  solution 
blue.  Color,  pale  yellow. 

Pyrrhotite  acts  upon  the  needle ;  is  principally  soluble  in 
muriatic  acid  with  evolution  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  Color, 
between  brown-yellow  and  copper-red  (usually  tarnished  tom- 
bac-brown). 

Millerite  is  scarcely  affected  by  nitric  acid  ;  with  nitro- 
muriatic  acid  it  forms  a  greenish  solution,  in  which  potassa 
causes  a  greenish  precipitate.  Ammonia  produces  a  precipitate 
which  dissolves  in  an  excess  with  a  blue  color.  Color,  between 
a  brass-yellow  and  bronze-yellow.  Has  been  heretofore  found 
only  in  hair-like  crystals. 

Closely  related  to  the  preceding  is  beyrichite  Ni6Sr 

*  Marcasite  (ortho-rhombic  iron  pyrite)  and  pyrite  (isometric  iron 
pyrite)  are  only  distinguishable  by  their  crystalline  form.  Are  de- 
composed by  nitric  acid. 


248  MINERJPLOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Color,  lead-gray.  B.  B.  in  a  closed  tube  affords  a  sublimate 
of  sulphur.  Millerite  does  not. 

BISMUTHINITE  (sulphuret  of  bismuth,  Wismuthglanz), 
BiS3.  B.  B.  in  the  reduction  flame  fuses  with  boiling  and 
spirting.  Yields  a  globule  of  bismuth,  and  coats  the  coal  yel- 
low. Dissolves  in  nitric  acid  with  separation  of  sulphur. 
The  concentrated  solution  diluted  with  water  becomes  turbid, 
and  then  yields  a  white  precipitate  of  bismuth.  Color,  light 
lead-gray,  inclining  to  steel-gray.  H.2.  G.  6.4. 

A  similar  behavior  is  shown  by  chiviatite  (Pb.2,Cu2)Bi3Sn. 
It  is  decomposed  by  nitric  acid  with  separation  of  sulphate  of 
lead.  Emplectite  CuBiS2  affords  with  nitric  acid  a  bluish- 
green  solution,  which  turns,  with  an  excess  of  ammonia,  azure- 
blue.  Behaves  otherwise  like  bismuthite.  (Compare  native 
bismuth.) 

Division  6 — Not  belonging  to  the  preceding  divisions. 

AMALGAM  (native),  AgHg2  and  AgHg3.  B.  B.  gives  off 
quicksilver  in  a  matrass,  with  boiling  and  spirting,  and  leaves 
a  swollen  mass  of  silver.  Dissolves  easily  in  nitric  acid.  Color, 
silver-white.  The  amalgam  richest  in  silver  is  arquerite, 
Ag,,Hg. 

Metacinnabarite,  HgS.  Mixed  with  iron  powder,  it  affords, 
in  a  matrass,  mercury  and  sulphide  of  iron,  which  latter  evolves 
sulphide  of  hydrogen  when  treated  with  hydrochloric  acid. 
Rarely  crystallized,  constituting  amorphous  cinnabar.  Color, 
grayish-black.  Streak,  black. 

BISMUTH  (native),  Bi.  B.  B.  fuses  easily,  arid  does  not 
continue  to  burn  after  removal  from  the  flame  ;  evaporates  after 
long  blowing,  and  imparts  to  the  coal,  at  first,  a  white  coating, 
which  becomes  partly  yellow  and  partly  orange.  The  color 
slightly  fades  on  cooling.  B.  B.  The  mineral  powder  when 
fused  together  with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium  on  char- 
coal affords,  after  continuous  blowing,  a  cinnabar-red  coating. 
It  is  easily  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  The  concentrated  solution 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  249 

yields  with  much  water  a  white  precipitate.  Color,  reddish 
silver-white.  Brittle.  H.  2.5.  G.  9.7. 

Rabdionite  (Cu,Mn,Co,Fe).  Colors  the  borax  bead  cobalt- 
blue.  Heated  with  phosphoric  acid,  gives  a  violet  solution 
(manganese).  Is  dull,  but  gives  a  metallic  greasy  streak. 
Color,  black.  H.  1.  G.  2.8. 

HAEMATITE  (specular  iron,  red  iron  ore,  Rotheisenerz), 
Fe3O3.  Difficult  of  fusion  ;  in  the  reduction  flame  becomes 
magnetic.  Streak,  cherry-red.  H.  5.5-6.  G.  5. 

Cuprite  (red  copper  ore),  Cu2O ;  has  sometimes  a  metallic 
lustre  ;  easily  reducible  to  a  copper  globule  B.  B. 

Magnetite  (magnetic  iron,  Magneteisenerz),  Fe3O4.  B.  B. 
fuses  with  great  difficulty,  usually  above  5.  It  may  be  easily 
recognized  by  its  action  on  the  needle,  and  its  black  streak. 

Hortonolite  (Fe,Mg)2SiO4.  Fuses  at  4.  Color,  yellow  to 
dark  yellow-green.  It  has  partly  a  metallic  lustre  and  with 
an  admixture  of  magnetite  is  magnetic. 

Roepperite  (Fe,Mn,Zn,Mg)2SiOi.  Color,  dark-green  to 
black. 

Fayalite^  Fe2SiO4.  Fuses  at  3.  Color,  dark-green,  brown 
to  black. 

The  three  latter  minerals  gelatinize  with  hydrochloric  acid. 

WOLFRAMITE  (Wolfram,  tungstate  of  iron  and  manganese), 
(Fe,Mn,)  W04  ==  W  75.56,  F0  20.17,  Mn  3.54  (Fe  and  Mn 
varying  greatly).  B.  B.  fuses  at  3  to  a  gray  and  often  crystal- 
line globule  ;  with  borax  it  yields  an  amethystine  colored  bead. 
Boiled  with  phosphoric  acid  and  strongly  concentrated  it  yields 
a  fine  blue  liquid,  whose  color  is  heightened  on  cooling. 
When  diluted  with  water  a  reddish-yellow,  and  later  a  color- 
less liquid  is  obtained.  Upon  the  addition  of  iron  powder  and 
sulphuric  acid  it  turns,  when  shaken,  intensely  sapphire  blue. 
This  liquid,  when  diluted  with  much  water,  loses  in  a  few 
minutes  its  blue  color.  If  we  add  to  the  blue  solution  with 
phosphoric  acid,  a  little  nitric  acid,  the  color  is  changed  to 
violet  (manganese  reaction).  Color,  grayish-black  to  iron 
black.  Streak,  dark  reddish-brown  to  black.  H.  5.5.  G.  7.3. 


250  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

BLACK  SILICATE  OF  MANGANESE  (Schwarzer  Mangan- 
kiesel)*  MnSiO3  -f-  2H20.  B.  B.  fuses  with  intumescence, 
and  in  a  bolt-head  yields  much  water ;  imparts  to  a  borax  bead 
in  the  oxidizing  flame  a  strongly  amethystine  color.  It  is -dis- 
solved by  muriatic  acid  with  separation  of  silicic  acid,  without 
gelatinizing.  Color,  between  lead-gray  and  iron-black. 

(Compare  KLIPSTEINITE,  Mn203,MnOSiO2,H20.) 

PSILOMELANE  (name  alludes  to  its  smooth  botryoidal  form 
and  black  color).  General  formula  =RO-f  4MnO2.  Many  va- 
rieties ;  compact;  amorphous.  B.  B.  fusible;  reacts  strongly 
of  manganese  with  borax.  Boiled  with  muriatic  acid  it  gives 
off  chlorine.  Color,  dark  bluish-gray.  H.  5-6.  G.  3.7-4.7. 

LIEVRITE  (Ilvaite,  Yenite),  H2Ca2Fe41?eSi4018. 

ALLANITE  (Ce,La,Di,Fe,Ca)3(Al,Fe)Si8012. 

Both  gelatinize  completely  with  hydrochloric  acid.  Al- 
lanite  fuses  easily  and  swells  up.  Xievrite  fuses  easily  and 
quietly. 

PLATTNERITE  (superoxide  of  lead,  Schwerbleierz),  Pb0.2. 
Of  adamantine  lustre;  spec,  gravity,  9.3.  Color,  iron-black. 
Streak,  brown.  B.  B.  with  soda  on  charcoal  yields  a  globule 
of  lead. 

/S'«mars^e(uranotantalite),(Fe,Y,UO^)5(Cb,Ta)<O15.  Fuses 
at  4-5  to  a  steel-gray  mass.  Lustre  of  surface  of  fracture 
shining  and  submetallic.  Color,  velvet-black.  Streak,  dark  red- 
brown. 

When  the  powdered  mineral  is  fused  with  caustic  potassa  in 
a  silver  crucible,  and  the  mass  afterwards  extracted  with  water 
and  filtered,  a  green  solution  is  obtained,  which,  when  neu- 
tralized with  hydrochloric  acid,  yields  a  whitish  precipitate.  If 
the  latter  is  boiled  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  fuming  hydro- 

*  A  name  given  by  v.  Leonhard  to  a  mineral  as  yet  imperfectly 
known,  and  containing  14.9  per  cent,  of  water.  The  analysis  is  by 
Klaproth.  It  is  mentioned  by  v.  Kobell,  and  in  Nan  maim' s  Miner- 
alogie,  Leipzig,  1871.  Is  not  described  in  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  5th 
edit. ;  but  the  closely  related  mineral  Klipsteinite,  which  gives  9  per 
cent,  of  water  on  ignition. 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  251 

chloric  acid  and    tinfoil  for  some  minutes,  and  then  diluted 
with  an  equal  volume  of  water,  a  sapphire-blue  solution  results. 

Glass  in.— Infusible,  or  Fusibility  above  5,  and  Non- 
volatile, 

Division  1. — B.  B.  impart,  in  ever  so  small  quantity,  to  the 
borax  bead  in  the  oxidizing  Jlame  an  amethystine  color 
of  manganese. 

The  oxides  of  manganese  belonging  to  this  group  dissolve 
more  or  less  easily  in  muriatic  acid  with  evolution  of  chlorine 
gas.  They  yield,  when  the  powdered  minerals  are  boiled  down 
with  phosphoric  acid  to  syrupy  consistency,  a  beautiful  violet 
liquid,  which  becomes,  when  diluted  with  water,  and  then 
shaken  with  some  crystals  of  iron-vitriol,  entirely  discolored. 

(Compare  FRANKLINITE  in  the  following  division.  It  at- 
tracts the  magnetic  needle.) 

LITHIOPHORITE  =  MnO,  CuO,CoO,LiJO,BaO,Al2O3,MnOa, 
H2O.  Colors  the  flame  carmine-red  (lithia).  With  salt  of 
phosphorus  gives  reactions  for  copper  and  cobalt. 

CREDNERITE  (mangankupferoxide),  Cu3M209.  B.  B.  moist- 
ened with  muriatic  acid  it  imparts  to  the  flame  a  fine  blue 
color.  The  solution  yields,  with  ammonia  in  excess,  a  brown 
precipitate  and  an  azure-blue  liquid,  which  is  not  the  case  with 
the  following. 

BRAUNITE  (sesquioxide  of  manganese),  2MnO,MnO2  + 
MnSiO^.  Color,  dark  brownish-black.  Streak  blackish,  inclin- 
ing to  brown.  Hardness  G-G.5  (between  orthoclase  and  quartz). 
B.  B.  in  a  matrass  affords  none,  or  only  traces  of  water.  H.  6. 
G.  4.7. 

HAUSMANNITE  (red  oxide  of  manganese),  2MnO-f-IVInO2. 
Color  brownish-black.  Streak  reddish  and  chestnut-brown. 
Hardness  5-5.5,  between  apatite  and  orthoclase.  B.  B.  in  a 
bolt  head  affords  no  water. 

MANGANITE  (hydrated  oxide  of  manganese),  Mn2O3,H2O. 
Steel-gray  to  iron-black.  Streak,  dark  reddish-brown.  Hard- 


252  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ness  4,  between  calcite  and  fluorspar.  B.  B.  in  a  b'olt  head 
affords  much  water. 

PSILOMELANE  (compact  oxide  of  manganese),  (Mn,  Ba, 
K2)5O9  -f-  Aq  (compos,  doubtful).  Color,  bluish  to  grayish- 
black  and  blackish-gray.  Streak,  brownish  black  to  black. 
Hardness  5-6.  B.  B.  in  a  bolt  head  it  affords  water.  The 
solution  of  most  varieties  in  muriatic  acid  yields  with  sulphuric 
acid  a  heavy  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  barium.  (At  present 
only  found  amorphous,  but  more  generally  diffused  than  any  of 
the  ores  of  manganese.) 

PYROLUSITE  (polianite,  peroxide  of  manganese),  MnOa. 
Color,  iron-black,  steel-gray.  Streak,  black.  Hardness  2-2.5, 
between  rock-salt  and  calcite.  B.  B.  in  a  bolt  head  it  yields 
none  or  only  a  trace  of  water. 

(Compare  Alabandine  and  Hauerite.) 

Division  2 — Are  magnetic,  or  B.  B.  when  heated  on  charcoal 
perseveringly  in  the  R.  FL  become  so. 

Lolingite. 

Arsenopyrite. 

In  different  varieties;  imperfectly  fusible,  are  distinguished 
from  the  next  following  by  evolving  an  arsenical  odor  B.  B.  on 
charcoal. 

HcBinatite  (specular  iron,  red  iron  ore,  Rotheisenerz),  Fe2O3. 
Distinguished  from  the  following  by  its  cherry- red  streak  and 
its  iron-black,  steel-gray,  or  brownish-red  color.  Dissolves 
slowly  in  muriatic  acid. 

Franklinite^  (Zn,Mn,Fe)O,(Mn,Fe)2O8,  and 

Magnetite  (magnetic  iron  ore,  Magneteisenerz),  Fe3O4, 
are  strongly  magnetic ;  both  are  slowly  dissolved  in  concen- 
trated muriatic  acid,  by  which  the  former  evolves  chlorine ; 
the  latter  does  not.  Pulverized  franklinite,  boiled  down  with 
phosphoric  acid,  yields  a  beautiful  violet  color;  magnetite  does 
not.  The  color  of  both  is  iron-black.  The  streak  of  frank- 
linite is  reddish-brown,  that  of  magnetite  black.  A  similar 
deportment  to  franklinite  is  shown  by 

Jacobsite  (Mn,Mg)O,(Fe,Mn)2O3.      Color,  deep  black.     Is 


MINERALS    WITH    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  253 

magnetic,  and  occurs  in  distorted  octohedrons.  Its  phosphoric 
acid  solution  turns  violet  upon  addition  of  nitric  acid  only  after 
heating. 

Magnoferrite,  or  magnvsioferrite,  MgO,Fe2O3.  Soluble  with 
difficulty  in  hydrochloric  acid.  In  the  solution  after  the  oxi- 
dation of  the  protoxide  of  iron  with  chlorate  of  potash  and  its 
precipitation  with  an  excess  of  ammonia,  phosphate  of  soda  gives 
a  precipitate  of  ammonio-phosphate  of  magnesia  in  the  filtrate. 
H.  6-6.5.  G.  4.5. 

MENACCANITE  (titanic  iron,  ilmenite,  hystatite,  Titan- 
eisen,  Kibdelophan,  Iserin,  etc.),  (Ti,  Fe)2O3.  Influences 
the  magnetic  needle,  but  is  easily  distinguished  from  the  pre- 
ceding by  the  following  process :  Pulverize  and  boil  the 
powder  with  concentrated  muriatic  acid,  and  filter ;  the  fil- 
tered liquid  boiled  with  tinfoil  assumes  gradually  a  fine  blue  or 
violet  color  turning  a  pink-red  when  diluted.  Streak,  black. 
Color,  iron-black,  inclining  to  steel-gray.  H.  5-6.  G.  4.5-5. 

We  may  also  boil  the  powder  of  menaccanite,  at  first  with 
cone,  sulphuric  acid,  then  evaporate  to  dryness  and  add  to 
the  residue  cone,  hydrochloric  acid  and  tinfoil.  In  this  way 
the  mineral  is  more  easily  dissolved.  Sometimes  the  hydro- 
chloric acid  solution  boiled  with  tinfoil  passes  through  the  filter 
with  a  brownish  color,  in  which  case  it  must  again  be  boiled 
with  additional  cone,  hydrochloric  acid  and  tinfoil,  in  order  to 
obtain  a  violet  solution,  turning  to  a  rose-color  when  diluted. 

(Compare  rutile  and  arkansite,  which  through  an  admixture 
of  menaccanite  frequently  exhibit  magnetic  properties.  Muri- 
atic acid  attacks  them  but  slightly.) 

LIMONITE  (brown  hematite,  Brauneisenerz),  Fe2Os,3H2O. 
The  lustre  in  many  varieties  is  submetallic ;  is  distinguished 
from  the  preceding  by  its  ochre-yellow  streak.  H.  5.5.  G.  3.6-4. 

SPHALERITE  (Zincblende)  (Zn,  Fe)S.  containing  often- 
times iron,  and  having  a  submetallic  lustre,  is  recognized  by 
the  fact  that  muriatic  acid  evolves  sulphuretted  hydrogen. 
H.  3.5-4.  G.  3.9-4.2. 

Compare  the  following  division  : — 
22 


254  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Division  3 — Not  included,  but  in  some  respects  related  to,  the 
preceding  are  : 

CHROMITE  (COLUMBITE  AND  NIOBITE)  FERROILMENITE 
CHROMITE  (chromic  iron,  Chromeisenerz),  FeO,Cr2O3,  or 
(Fe,Mg)0,(  Al,Cr)2O3.  In  many  varieties  strongly  magnetic,  in 
others  only  very  feebly  so.  Hydrochloric  acid  has  little  effect  on 
it.  Evaporated  with  phosphoric  acid  an  emerald-green  solution 
is  obtained  ;  those  varieties  containing  oxide  of  manganese  yield 
a  violet  solution  (manganese)  which,  agitated  with  crystals  of 
green  vitriol,  disappears  while  the  green  color  of  oxide  of 
chromium  appears.  B.  B.  alone  it  remains  unchanged. 
Borax  and  phosphorus  slowly  and  perfectly  dissolve  it,  form- 
ing beads  of  a  fine  emerald  green  when  cold.  Color,  iron-black, 
pitch-black.  Streak ,  yellowish-brown.  H.  5.5.  G.  4.3. 

Some  varieties  of  Cassiterite,  SnO2,  have  a  metallic  lustre. 
B.  B.  on  charcoal  heated  with  cyanide  of  potassium,  metallic 
tin  is  obtained. 

MOLYBDENITE  (sulphuret  of  molybdenum,  Molybdanglanz), 
MoS2  (H.  1-2.  G.  6.2),  and 

GRAPHITE  (carburet  of  iron  and  black  lead),  C,  are  both 
very  soft  and  leave  a  gray  trace  on  paper.  H.  1.5.  Color  of 
the  former  is  lead-gray  inclining  to  red  ;  of  the  latter,  iron- 
black,  steel-gray.  B.  B.  molybdenite,  confined  with  the 
forceps,  colors  the  flame  light  green  ;  with  soda  it  gives  hepar. 
Heated  in  a  platinum  spoon  with  nitre,  it  explodes  with  evolu- 
tion of  light  and  heat.  The  mineral  boiled  down  with  con.  nitric 
acid,  furnishes  a  white  mass  (molybdenum  trioxide)  which, 
when  boiled  with  caustic  potash,  yields  a  partial  solution  that 
upon  being  acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  and  afterwards 
diluted,  assumes,  when  stirred  with  a  strip  of  tin,  a  fine  blue 
color. 

A  splinter  of  graphite,  held  in  forceps  made  of  zinc,  becomes 
covered  quickly  with  copper  when  dipped  into  a  solution  of 
sulphate  of  copper. 

PEROFSKITE,  CaTi03,  as  also  some    RUTILK,  TiO2,  with 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  255 

sub-metallic  lustre.  When  the  fine  powder  of  these  minerals 
is  fused  together  with  caustic  potash,  water  added,  and  the 
solution  evaporated  after  addition  of  an  excess  of  HC1  and  a 
piece  of  tinfoil,  the  liquid  becomes  violet-colored,  and,  on  dilu- 
lution  with  water,  rose-red.  (Reaction  of  TiO2.)  Perofskite 
crystallizes  in  cubes. 

(Compare  rutile  and  brookite.) 

IRIDOSIMINE,  Ir,  Os,  Rh,  Ru.  Fused  in  a  matrass  with  nitre 
evolves  the  peculiar  odor  of  oxide  of  osmium.  Not  perceptibly 
attacked  by  Bx  and  S.  Ph.  or  aqua  regia.  Color,  tin-white. 
Streak,  gray.  H.  6-7.  G.  19.3-21.1. 

.TANTALITE,  Fe(Mn)Ta,O6,  and 

COLUMBITE,  FeCb2(Ta2)O6 ; 

YTTROTANTALITE,  (Fe,  Ca,  Y)2  (TaCb)2O7. 

The  color  of  these  minerals  is  iron-black.  Yttrotantalite 
loses  its  color  before  the  blowpipe,  and  becomes  yellowish  or 
white ;  that  of  the  others  remains  unchanged.  Acids  affect 
them  but  little.  If  tantalite  and  columbite  are  powdered,  fused 
with  caustic  potash  in  a  silver  crucible,  dissolved  in  water,  and 
filtered,  a  precipitate  is  formed  with  hydrochloric  acid,  which, 
boiled  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  becomes  white ;  on  the  addi- 
tion of  zinc  the  precipitate  from  the  columbite  becomes  intensely 
blue  in  the  hot  solution,  and  retains  this  color  on  the  addition 
of  water  for  a  considerable  time.  The  precipitate  from  tanta- 
lite is  lighter  colored,  and  loses  its  color  quicker  with  water. 

(Compare  polycrase  and  aeschynite.) 

URANITK,  U8O4.  Color,  usually  velvet-black;  lustre,  greasy; 
partially  soluble  in  nitric  acid  to  a  yellow  liquid  ;  the  solution 
gives  a  sulphur-yellow  precipitate  with  ammonia.  Boiled  with 
phosphoric  acid  gives  an  emerald-green  solution.  G.  6.4-7. 


256  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

GROUP  II.— MINERALS  WITHOUT  METALLIC 
LUSTRE, 

Class  i.— Easily  Volatile  or  Combustible, 

NATIVE-SULPHUR,  S.  H.  1.5;  G.  2.  Completely  vola- 
tile ;  burns  with  a  blue  flame  and  evolution  of  sulphur  dioxide, 
SO2.  Color,  sulphur-yellow,  honey-yellow,  and  brown  from 
impurities. 

REALGAR,  As2S2.  Arsenic  disulphide,  orange-yellow.  H. 
1.5-2.  G.  3.5. 

ORPIMENT,  As2S3.  Arsenic  trisulphide  (auripigmentum), 
yellow  sulphide.  Both  fuse  easily  and  volatilize  with  emission 
of  arsenical  fumes.  Soluble  in  potassa.  HC1  precipitates  from 
this  solution  lemon-yellow  flocks. 

ARSENITE  (arsenious  acid,  white  arsenic),  As2O3.  B.  B. 
on  ch.  with  soda  emits  an  arsenical  odor,  and  in  a  bolt  head 
gives  a  white  crystalline  sublimate.  Color,  white.  H.  1.5. 
G.  3.8. 

VALENTINITE  (oxide  of  antimony,  Weisspiessglanzerz, 
Germ.),  Sb2O3  and 

KERMESITE  (pyrostibite,  red  antimony,  Antimonblende, 
Germ.),  2Sb2S2-f  Sb2O3.  B.  B.  fuse  and  evaporate  easily, 
coating  the  charcoal  white.  Are  insoluble  in  water.  Valen- 
tinite  dissolves  readily  in  muriatic  acid  without  evolution  of 
gas.  Kermesite  (pyrostibite)  is  partly  soluble  with  the 
escape  of  sulphide  of  hydrogen  (H2S).  The  powder  of  the 
first,  treated  with  potassa,  does  not  change  color;  that  of  the 
second,  immediately  assumes  an  ochre-yellow.  The  former  is 
white,  the  latter  cherry-red. 

SENARMONTITE  (Sb2O3),  has  the  same  composition  as  valen- 
tinite,  but  crystallizes  in  the  isometric  system,  whilst  valentinite 
is  trimetric. 

SAL  AMMONIAC  (ammonium  chloride,  Salrniak,  Germ.), 
NH4C1,  and 

MASCAGNITE    (hydrous  ammonium   sulphate),    (NH4)2SO4 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  2o  / 

-[-Aq.  B.  B.  volatilize  with  abundant  fumes;  the  first  without 
fusing;  the  second  fusing  and  puffing  up  at  the  first  applica- 
tion of  heat.  Both  dissolve  easily  in  water.  The  solution  of 
sal  ammoniac  gives  no  precipitate  with  chloride  of  barium. 
Mascagnite  yields  a  heavy  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  barium. 
When  treated  with  potassa  liquor  they  both  evolve.an  ammo- 
niacal  odor.  Color,  white. 

CINNABAR  (sulphuret  of  mercury,  Zinnober,  Germ.),  HgS. 
Streak,  red.  When  the  mineral  powder  is  ground  together 
with  iron  powder,  wrapped  in  copper  foil,  and  heated  in  a 
closed  tube,  metallic  mercury  sublimates,  and  the  residue 
yields  with  hydrochloric  acid,  hydrosulphuric  acid  (SH2).  H. 
2-2.5.  G.  9. 

CALOMEL  (horn  quicksilver,  Mercurous  chloride),  HgCl. 
B.  B.  in  a  bolt  head  with  soda  yield  metallic  mercury.  For 
trial  not  too  little  of  the  substance  must  be  taken.  The 
mixture  may  be  wrapped  up  in  thin  paper,  and  introduced 
into  the  middle  of  an  open  tube,  and  the  flame  applied  to  this 
spot  until  the  glass  begins  to  melt.  The  metal  may  be  col- 
lected in  globules  on  the  sides  of  the  tube  by  means  of  a  feather. 
Calomel  is  white,  but  potassa .  renders  it  black,  mercurous 
oxide  (Hg2O)  being  produced.  The  alkaline  solution,  acidu- 
lated with  nitric  acid,  after  being  filtered  off,  yields  with  nitrate 
of  silver  a  heavy  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver.  H.  1.5. 
G.  6.5. 

COTUNNITE*  (Chlorblei,  Germ.) Chloride  of  lead,  PbCl2. 

Color,  yellowish-white.  Streak,  white.  May  be  scratched 
by  the  nail.  Soluble  in  about  22  parts  of  hot  water.  B.  B. 
partly  volatile.  Fuses  on  charcoal  readily,  and  deposits  a 
white  coating,  the  inner  edge  of  which  is  tinged  yellow  from 
oxide  of  lead.  With  soda  on  coal  gives  lead  globules.  See 
mineral  coals  in  the  appendix  to  ores. 

*  Dana^Syst.  of  Min.,  5th  edit.,  p.  117  ;  also,  Brush's  Determinat. 
Min.,  etc.,  p.  72. 

22* 


258  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Class  ii.— Fuse  easily  between  1  and  5,  and  volatilize 
only  partially  or  not  at  all. 

Part  A. — B.  B.  FUSED  WITH  SODA  ON  CHARCOAL  YIELD  A 

METALLIC    GLOBULE,    OR,    FUSED    ALONE    IN    THE    R.    F., 
FORM'A  MASS*  WHICH  ACTS  ON  THE  MAGNETIC  NEEDLE. 

Division  1. — -7?.  B.  yield  with  soda  or  soda  and  borax  together 
a  silver  globule.  Those  decomposable  by  nitric  acid  yield, 
when  this  solution  is  treated  with  hydrochloric  acid,  a 
white  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver,  which  B.  B.  is 
easily  reduced  on  charcoal  to  metallic  silver.  (It  is  well 
to  fuse  the  globule  once  more  with  borax,  to  obtain  the 
silver  entirely  pure  and  ductile.} 

Proustite.     Light  red,  silver  ore. 

Lichtes  Rothgiiltigerz,  Germ.,  Ag3As83  (or  3Ag2S  -j-  As2$3), 
and 

Pyrargyrite  (dark-red,  silver  ore.  Dunkles  Rothgultigerz, 
Ag3SbS3  (or  3Ag2S-|-Sb2S3)).  May  be  distinguished  from 
the  following  by  their  cherry-red  streak.  B.  B.  the  first 
evolves  the  strong  odor  of  arsenic ;  the  second  coats  the  coal 
with  the  fumes  of  antimony.  Either  mineral  reduced  to 
powder  and  heated  with  potassa  assumes  a  black  color,  and  is 
partly  decomposed  and  dissolved.  If  this  potash  solution  be 
neutralized  with  muriatic  acid,  proustite  will  form  lemon-yellow 
flocks  of  sulphuret  of  arsenic,  pyrargyrite,  orange  flocks  of 
sulphuret  of  antimony.  Color  of  the  former  is  cochineal-red ; 
of  the  latter  dark-red  to  blackish  lead-gray.  A  similar 
behavior  is  shown  by  proustite. 

Xanthoconite  (Xanthokon),  3AgS  -f  As2O5)  -f  2(3AgS  -f 
As2S3)  (Da).|  Color,  dull  red  to  clove-brown.  Crystals, 
orange-yellow  on  the  edges  by  transmitted  light.  Streak, 
powder  yellow.  Brittle — qualities  which  readily  distinguish  it. 

*  All  minerals  with  non- metallic  lustre,  which  emit  an  arsenical 
odor  before  the  blowpipe  belong  to  this  class,  except  pharmacolite. 
\  According  to  Brush,  Ag9As3S10.     Determin.  Min.,  etc.,  p.  72. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  259 

(Compare  miargyrite,  AgSbS2  (or  Ag2S-f-Sb8S2),  which 
sometimes  resembles  very  much  the  pyrargyrite.  The  specific 
gravity  of  the  former  is  5.2,  that  of  the  latter  5.7.) 

Cerargyrite  (Kerargyrit,  Horn  Silver,  Silberhornerz), 
AgCl. 

lodyrite  (iodargyrite,  lodsilber,  Germ.),  Agl,  and 

JEmbolite,  Ag  (ClBr)  are  ductile,  and  maybe  hammered  out. 
In  closed  tube  fused  with  bisulphate  of  potassa,  the  following 
phenomena  take  place.  The  bead  of  Agl*  swimming  in  the 
flux  is  dark,  almost  black,  whilst  hot,  turning  by  the  gradual 
cooling  process  to  red.  The  bead  of  AgCl,  when  hot,  has  a 
pale  hyacinth-red  color;  that  of  AgBr  an  intense  garnet-red1, 
both  turning  to  yellow  when  cold.  When  these  silver  com- 
pounds are  mixed  with  zinc  filings  in  a  cylindrical  glass,  and 
next  treated  with  very  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  they  assume  after 
a  while,  a  blackish  color.  If  the  solution  is  poured  off,  some 
starch  added,  and  a  few  drops  of  potassic  permanganate  solu- 
tion (MnKO4)  acidulated  with  cone.  HC1,  the  liquor  of  iody- 
rite  shows  a  blue  or  bluish-black  color,  that  of  embolite  a 
yellow  color,  that  of  cerargyrite  is  not  colored  at  all.  When 
the  above  solution  of  embolite  (without  starch  solution)  is 
treated  with  solution  of  MnKO4,  acidulated  with  HC1,  then 
mixed  with  ether,  and  diligently  stirred,  the  layer  of  ether 
assumes  a  yellow  color,  whilst  the  liquor  beneath  is  colorless. 
This  department  is  very  characteristic  for  bromine  after  we 
have  convinced  ourselves  that  no  iodine  is  present,  since  that 
body  yields  similar  reactions.  Chlorine  produces  under  these 
circumstances  no  coloring  of  the  ether. 

SELBITE  (carbonate  of  silver),  AgCO3,  dissolves  easily  in 
nitric  acid,  with  effervescence.  Color,  ash-gray  inclining  to 
black.  Streak  has  metallic  lustre.  According  to  Walchner 
it  is  only  a  mixture  ;  and  according  to  Sandberger,  one  of 
Selb's  original  specimens,  examined  under  the  lens,  showed  to 

*  lodyrite  by  this  fusion  process  gives  off  iodine  vapors  ;  and  embolitv 
bromine  vapors. 


2GO  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

contain  earthy  argentite,  besides  dolomite  and  silver,  and  all 
parts  afforded  a  sulphur  reaction.* 

Division  2. — B.  B.  'with  soda  yield  a  lead  globule.  The 
compounds  of  this  group  are  soluble  in  nitric  acid ;  zinc 
precipitates  metallic  lead  from  the  solution ;  sulphuric 
acid  forms  a  heavy  white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead. 

When  boiled  with  caustic  potash  solution  a  liquid  is  obtained, 
which,  either  with  chromate  of  potassium  alone,  or  after  treat- 
ment with  some  acetic  acid,  gives  an  orange  or  yellow  precipi- 
tate of  chromate  of  lead. 

BINDHEIMITE  (Bleinierc),  Pb3Sb2O8  -f-  4Aq,  and 

NADORITE,  PbSbgO4  +  PbCl2. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  both  yield  metallic  lead  and  coatings  of 
lead  and  antimony.  Bindheimite  affords  water  in  a  closed 
tube.  Nadorite  fused  in  a  salt  of  phosphorus  bead,  which 
has  previously  been  saturated  with  oxide  of  copper,  colors  the 
flame  blue  (chloride  of  copper). 

MiMETiTE,MiMETisiTE(leadarsenate),  3Pb3As2O8  +  PbCl0. 
B.  B.  on  coal  is  reduced  ;  evolves  a  strong  arsenical  odor. 
Confined  with  the  forceps  and  fused  in  the  external  flame, 
some  varieties  crystallize  like  pyromorphite  (phosphate  of  lead). 
Color,  yellowish-green,  brownish.  Closely  related  to  this 
mineral  is 

HEDYPHANE  (arsenate  and  chloride  of  lead  with  phosphate 
of  lime),  3(l>b,Ca)3As2O8-i-  (Pb,Ca)Cl2.  B.  B.  alone  on 
coal  gives  arsenical  odors  and,  containing  phosphate  of  cal- 
cium, gives  the  reaction  for  phosphoric  acid. 

PYROMORPHITE,  3Pb3P2O8  -f  PbCl2.  B.  B.  is  not  re- 
duced alone  on  coal ;  fuses  to  a  bead  which,  after  cooling,  is 
distinctly  crystalline.  The  nitric  acid  solution  gives,  when 
boiled  with  molybdate  of  ammonium,  an  ochre-yellow  precipi- 
tate of  phospho-molybdate  of  ammonium.  Color,  generally 
green,  of  different  shades;  also  brown  and  white.  H.  3.5-4. 
G.  6.5-7. 

*  Dana,  Syst.  of  Min.,  fifth  ed.,  p.  804. 


MINERALS  WITHOUT  METALLIC  LUSTRE.       261 

i'M  (Mennige),  PbsO4  =  PbO2  -f  2PbO. 

CROCOITE  (crocoisite,  cbromate  of  lead),  PbCrO4. 

PHCENICOCHROITE,  PHONICITE  (melanochroite,  sesqui- 
chromate  of  lead),  Pb8CrO6  ==  2PbOO4  -j-  PbO. 

DECHENITE  (araeoxene,  PbZn)  V2O6.  Have  a  red  color. 
B.  B.  Crocoisite,  pboenicite,  and  dechenite,  added  in  small 
quantities,  impart  to  a  borax  bead  an  emerald-green  color 
which,  with  dechenite,  turns,  in  the  oxidizing  flame,  gradually 
light  olive-green,  then  yellow,  and  next  disappears.  They  are 
soluble  in  boiling  muriatic  acid  without  effervescence,  with 
separation  of  chloride  of  lead,  and  form  an  emerald-green 
liquid.*  This  liquid  concentrated  by  the  addition  of  alcohol, 
and  poured  off  from  the  separating  chloride  of  lead,  assumes 
upon  dilution  with  water  a  sky-blue  color  if  dechenite  is 
present,  with  the  others  it  remains  green.  Crocoite  yields 
with  phosphoric  acid  at  first  a  reddish-yellow  solution  which,- 
when  concentrated,  turns  emerald-green,  and  diluted  with 
water  loses  it  entirely.  Uechenite  treated  thus  produces,  not 
a  green,  but  a  yellow  solution.  Minium  gives  with  borax  a 
yellow  bead  which  becomes  colorless  on  cooling.  It  does  not 
change  the  color  of  muriatic  acid.  The  streak  powder  of 
crocoite  and  dechenite  is  ot^nge  ;  of  phocnicite,  brick-red. 

LINARITE  (cuprous  sulphate  of  lead,  Kupferbleispath), 
1*1)3  -|-  C«H  is  characterized  by  its  deep  azure-blue  color. 
Nitric  acid,  at  the  commencement  of  heating,  discolors  it, 
while  sulphate  of  lead  is  precipitated. 

CERUSSITE  (carbonate  of  lead,  Weissblcirz),  PbCO3. 

LANARKITE  (sulphato-carbonate  of  lead),  PbSO4  -{-  PbCO3. 

PHOSGENITE  (Hornblei,  Kerasin),  PbCO3  -j-  PbCl2  are  dis- 
solved by  nitric  acid  with  effervescence.  Lanarkite  only 
incompletely.  The  solution  of  phosgenite  gives,  with  nitrate 
of  silver,  a  heavy  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver,  that  of 
lanarkite  with  nitrate  of  barium  a  precipitate  of  sulphate  of 
barium,  that  of  cerussite  affords  none  with  either  reagent. 

*  Provided,  that  sufficient  HC1  was  present  and  the  boiling  con- 
tinued long  enough. 


262  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Color  of  cerussite,  white,  of  lanarkite,  greenish-white  to  yellow- 
gray,  of  phosgenite,  white.     Similar  to  lanarkite  is 

LEADHILLITE,  PbSO4  +  3PbCO3,  crystallizes  in  the  ortho- 
rhombic  system.  Of  the  same  composition  is 

Siisanmte,  PbSO4  -f  3PbCO3,  crystallizing  in  the  hexagonal 
system  (rhombohedrons).  Lanarkite  crystallizes  in  the  mono- 
clinic  system. 

ANGLESITE  (sulphate  of  lead),  PbSO4,  soluble  in  nitric 
acid  with  difficulty.  B.  B.  with  soda  yields  hepar  and  is  re- 
duced to  metallic  lead.  H.  3.  G.  6.1-6.3. 

WULFENITE  (molybdate  of  lead),  PbMo04.  Boiled  with 
concentrated  muriatic  acid  is  dissolved  with  separation  of 
chloride  of  lead,  forming  a  green  liquid,  which  diluted  some- 
what and  stirred  with  tinfoil,  assumes  immediately  a  blue  color. 
Boiled  with  concentrated  phosphoric,  acid,  a  pale  green  solu- 
tion is  obtained,  which,  when  diluted  with  four  times  its  bulk 
of  water,  sometimes  becomes  turbid.  If  now  this  liquid  is 
agitated  with  a  very  little  iron  powder,  it  turns  blue,  with 
more  iron  olive-green  (at  a  common  temperature)! 

After  the  mineral  powder  has  been  heated  in  a  porcelain  dish 
with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  the  addition  of  alcohol,  on  cool- 
ing, colors  the  liquor,  especially  at^he  sides  of  the  dish,  a  fine 
blue.  Color,  honey,  wax,  and  orange-yellow.  H.  3.  G.  6.9. 

STOLZITE  (tungstate  of  lead,  schuletine,  Wolframsaures 
Bleioxyd),  PbW04.  Boiled  with  phosphoric  acid,  like  the  pre- 
ceding solution,  does  not  grow  turbid  when  diluted  and  the 
liquid  turns,  with  a  little  iron  powder,  a  beautiful  blue,  but  not 
before  heat  is  applied.  A  greater  addition  of  iron-powder  does 
not  alter  the  color.  Sulphuric  acid  colors  the  powder  lemon- 
yellow,  while  the  acid  remains  colorless.  Color,  yellow, 
yellowish-brown.  H.  3.  G.  7.9. 
•  VAUQUELINITE  (chromate  of  lead  and  copper),  Pb2CuCr2O9. 

Vanadinite,  Vanadinbleierz,  3Pb3V2O8-j-PbCl2. 

Eusynchite*  P 


*  A  variety  of  Dechenite.     See  Brush  Manual  of  Determinative 
Mineralogy,  pp.  73  and  74. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  263 

B.  B.  they  impart  to  borax  glass  an  emerald-green  color 
which  remains  so  with  vauquelinite  even  in  the  O.  F.  while 
the  others  turn  yellow.  They  are  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  The 
solution  of  vauquelinite  is  green,  that  of  vanadinite  and  eusyn- 
chite,  yellow  or  colorless.  The  solutions  of  vauquelinite  and 
eusynchite  yield  with  nitrate  of  silver  no  precipitate,  that  of 
vanadinite  gives  a  precipitate  or  becomes  turbid.  All  three  pro- 
duce with  concentrated  hydrochloric  acid  upon  the  addition  of 
alcohol,  an  emerald-green  solution  which  concentrated  until 
the  PbCl  separates,  turns,  upon  the  addition  of  water,  sky-blue, 
by  vanadinite  and  eusynchite,  while  it  remains  green  with 
vauquelinite.  Color  of  the  last  is  blackish  to  olive-green  ; 
that  of  vanadinite,  brown  or  yellowish  ;  that  of  eusynchite 
yellowish  red  to  ochre-yellow.  Vanadinite  crystallizes  in  the 
hexagonal,  and  the  chemically  related 

Descloizite,  Pb0V207,  cryst  in  the  orthorhombic  system. 

(Compare  plumbo-resinite,  Bleigummi,  Germ.) 

Closely  related  to  vauquelinite  are  : — 

Laxmanm'te*     (PbCu)6(P,Cr)4017  and 

Phosphochromite. 

Their  nitric  acid  solution  reacts  with  molybdate  of  ammo- 
nium, of  phosphoric  acid,  and  when  gently  heated,  forms  after  a 
lapse  of  time  a  yellow  precipitate. t 

Division  3. — Moistened  with  hydrochloric  acid  they  communi- 
cate to  the  blowpipe  flame  a  transient  blue  color ;  with 
nitric  acid,  form  a  sky-blue  or  a  green  solution^  which 
becomes  azure-blue  by  the  addition  of  ammonia  in  excess. 

The  compounds  of  oxide  of  copper  belonging  to  this  class  are 
principally  so  much  decomposed  by  boiling  with  potassa,  that 
their  acids  combine  with  the  potassa. 

*  Held  by  Beresqfto  be  a  phosphocliromite.  See  Text-Book  of  Min- 
eralogy, p.  3U4.  E.  S.  Dana's. 

f  The  yellow  precipitate  (often  termed  phospho-molybdate  of  am- 
monium) contains  molybdic  acid,  ammonia,  water,  and  about  3  per 
cent,  of  phosphoric  acid.  Is  soluble  in  phosphoric,  and  other  acids. 


264  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Section  i. — B.  B.  evolve  a  strong  arsenical  odor  (and  generally  give 
alone  on  coal  a  white,  brittle  metallic  glolule  of  arsenical 
copper}.  Are  of  a  green  color. 

Chenevixite,  (Pe,Cu3)2  As2On  +  3Aq. 

Fuses  to  a  black  magnetic  slag.  The  following  yield  no 
magnetic  product : — 

Bayldonite,  ( CuPb)4 As2O9  -f  2 Aq. 

The  nitric  acid  solution  affords,  with  sulphuric  acid,  a  white 
precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead. 

Olivenite  (prismatic  arsenate  of  copper),  Cu5As2O9-f-Aq. 
B.  B.  in  the  forceps  affords  on  cooling  a  blackish,  radiating  crys- 
talline mass,  the  surface  of  which  is  covered  with  prismatic 
crystals.  It  yields  but  little  water  (4  per  cent.)  in  a  bolt  head. 
Color,  olive-green,  passing  into  leek  or  blackish-green.  A 
similar  mineral  with  7  per  cent,  of  water  is  : — 

Abichite  (clinoclasite)  Cu6As2On-f3Aq. 

Tyrolitz  (Kupferschaum),  Cu5As2O10-j-9Aq. 

Chalcophyllite  (copper  mica,  Kupferglimmer)  Cn8As2O13-f 
7Aq. 

B.  B.  decrepitate  violently,  and  in  a  bolt  head  afford  much 
water.  The  second  is  soluble  in  ammonia  without  residue ; 
the  first  with  separation  of  carbonate  of  calcium.  Both  are  per- 
fectly cleavable  in  one  direction.  Tyrolite  is  apple-green  and 
verdigris-green.  Chalcophyllite  emerald-green,  grass-green. 

Closely  allied  to  these  is  : — 

Conichalcite,  (Konichalcit)  2(Cu,Ca)4(As,P,V)2O9+  3Aq. 

Reniform  and  massive.  Fraction  splintery  brittle.  Color, 
pistachio-green  to  emerald-green.  Some  vanadic  acid  re- 
places part  of  the  phosphoric.  The  fused  assay  has  an  alkaline 
reaction. 

LIROCONITE  (Linsenerz),  (Cu8Al)J{(As,P)2011-f  12Aq. 

B.  B.  does  not  crepitate,  and  heated  slightly,  assumes  a 
smalt-blue  color.  In  ammonia  it  is  soluble  with  separation  of 
white  flocks.  Contains  a  large  quantity  of  water,  and  loses  by 
ignition  22  per  cent,  of  its  weight.  Color,  sky-blue,  also 
green. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  205 

EUCHROITE,  Cu4As2O9+7Aq,  and 

KiuxiTE,  Cu.As2O10-f  2Aq,  are  distinguished  principally 
by  their  loss  of  weight  on  ignition.  The  former  loses  18^  per 
cent.,  the  latter  5  per  cent,  of  water.  Color,  emerald-green. 
Amorphous.  A  mineral  similar  to  the  preceding  is  : — 

Cornwallite,  Cu5As2OIO  +  3Aq==Cu3As2O8  +  2H2Cu2O2+ Aq. 

Amorphous,  with  about  13  per  cent,  of  water.  Color,  green 
(emerald  to  verdigris  green). 

Section  ii. — B.    B.   evolve  no   arsenical   odor,    but  generally  give 
alone  on  c#al  a  malleable  globule  of  copper. 

ATACAMITE  (chloride  of  copper),  CuCl2-4-3II2CuOa,  with- 
out being  moistened  with  muriatic  acid  communicates  to  the 
blowpipe  flame  a  fine  blue  color,  and  thereby  may  be  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  all  similar  minerals.  The  nitric  acid  solution 
yields  with  nitrate  of  silver,  white  chloride  of  silver.  Color, 
leek,  blackish-olive,  emerald-green.  H.  3.5.  G.  4.25 

Closely  allied  are  : — 

TaUingite,  CuCl2-J;4HaCuO2-f  iAq.     Color  blue  to  green. 

Percylite,  (Pb,Cu)  (C12,O)  + Aq.     Color  sky-blue. 

Both  color  the  flame  blue  like  the  preceding. 

Percylite  dissolved  in  nitric  acid  yields  with  sulphuric  acid 
a  white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead. 

Nantokite,  CuCl.  Color  when  fresh,  white  ;  colors  the  flame 
blue  and  yields  no  water  in  a  closed  tube. 

(Compare  Atlasite,  7Cu2CO4+CuCla+ 10 Aq.) 

Chalcanthite  (blue  vitriol,  sulphate  of  copper),  Cu'SO4-l-5Aq. 

jBroc&a»fcVeCu4SO7  +  3Aq.  and  Corc.Uite  (Covellin,  Kupfer- 
indif/)  CuS, 

B.  B.  with  soda  give  hepar,  which  is  not  the  case  with  the 
remaining  minerals  of  this  division.  Blue  vitriol  dissolves 
easily  in  water.  Color,  sky-blue.  The  second  and  third  are 
insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  The  solutions 
of  the  first  two  give,  with  nitrate  of  barium,  a  heavy  precipitate 
of  sulphate  of  barium.  Covellite  in  the  exterior  flame  burns 
and  emits  the  odor  of  sulphurous  acid.  It  is  not  reduced  until 
23 


2GG  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

;ill  the  sulphur  is  expelled  by  roasting.  Color,  indigo  blue- 
blackish.  Brochantite  exhibits  no  such  deportment.  Color, 
emerald  green. 

Related  to  brochantite  is  : — 

Lanyite,CufiO(.-}-4Aq.  Color,  greenish-blue.  Brochantite 
contains  12,  langite  16  per  cent,  water. 

Pisanite*  FeO,  CuO,  SO3-f  7HSO;  or  a  copperas  with  three- 
fifths  of  the  iron  replaced  by  copper.  In  concretionary  and 
stalactitic  forms,  color  light-blue.  Occurs  with  chalcopyrite 
at  a  copper  mine  in  the  interior  of  Turkey.  Gives  B.  B.  with 
fluxes  reactions  for  copper,  otherwise  like  copperas. 

CUPRITE  (red  oxide  of  copper,  Bothkupfererz)   Cu2O,  and 

BLACK  COPPER  ORE  (Kupferschwaerze),  CuO,  are  easily 
and  quietly  dissolved  in  acids.  The  concentrated  solution  of 
the  former  in  muriatic  acid  gives,  when  diluted  with  water,  a 
white  precipitate  (of  protochloride  of  copper)  ;  with  potas.su,  an 
ochre-yellow  deposit.  The  solution  of  the  black  oxide  of  cop- 
per, with  water,  does  not  give  any;  with  potassa,  a  bluish  pre- 
cipitate. Color  of  the  first  is  cochineal -red ;  of  the  second, 
brown  or  brownish-black.  The  last  mineral  generally  slightly 
effervesces  in  acids  owing  to  impurities. 

Pure  black  oxide  of  copper  constitutes  : — 

Tenosite,  melaconite,  CuO,  of  dark  steel-gray  color,  in  thin 
laminre  transparent,  brown. 

MALACHITE  (green  carbonate  of  copper),  Cu2CO4+H2O. 

AZURITE  (blue  carbonate  of  copper),  Cu3C2O7-fH2O,  and 

MYSORINE  (anhydrous  carbonate  of  copper),  CuC03,  dissolve 
in  nitric  acid  with  effervescence,  caused  by  the  escape  of  carbonic 
acid.  The  first  two  in  a  matrass  afford  a  large  amount  of 
water  ;  the  third  only  a  little  or  no  water.  Color  of  the  first 
is  always  green  ;  the  second  blue,  usually  sky-blue  ;  the  third 
brownish-black. 

Aurichalcite,  (Zn,  Cu)3  CO5  + 2Aq. 

Buratite  (according  to  J.  D.  Dana  identical  with  the  former, 
System  of  Min.,  5th  ed.,  p.  712). 

*  Daua's  System  of  Min.,  5th  ed.,  p.  646-47. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  2<>7 

B.  B.  Give  with  soda  on  charcoal  a  zinc  coating.  Atlasite, 
Cu2COH-fCuCl2-f-10Aq. 

The  nitric  acid  solution  gives  with  nitrate  of  silver  a  precip- 
itate of  chloride  of  silver. 

LIBETHENITE  (phosphate  of  copper),  Cu4P2O9-|-H2O,  and 

Lunnite  (phosphochalcite,  pseudomalachite),  Cu6P2Oa-}- 
3H2O. 

Easily  and  quietly  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  The  solution 
yields  with  molybdate  of  ammonia  a  yellow  precipitate  (P2O5). 
Color  of  libethenite  dark  olive-green,  .when  ignited  loses  7 
percent,  of  water ;  color  of  lunnite  dark  green,  loses  14  per 
cent,  of  water  by  ignition. 

A  similar  deportment  is  shown  by — 

Eldite*  (prasine),  Cu3P2O8 -f  2H2CuO2 -f- Aq.  Ramm. 
Cleavage  in  one  direction  perfect.  Color,  dark  olive-green. 

Tagilite,  Cu4P2<)9  -f  3Aq  =  Cu3P2O8  +  H2CuO2  +  2Aq. 
Color,  emerald-green.  Lose  on  ignition  9  to  10^  per  cent,  of 
water. 

Torbernite  (Chalcolit,  Kupfer-Uranit,  Germ.),  CuU2P2O12 
_j-  8Aq*=  2(UO2)3P/)8  +  Cu3P2()8  +  24Aq.  The  solution  in 
nitric  acid  has  a  yellowish-green  color,  and  forms,  with  ammo- 
nia in  excess,  a  blue  liquid,  with  a  bluish-green  precipitate; 
by  this  it  can  be  distinguished  from  the  preceding  minerals, 
since  the  precipitates  which  they  form  with  ammonia  are 
almost  entirely  soluble  in  excess  of  ammonia.  The  solution 
gives,  when  warmed  with  molybdate  of  ammonium,  a  yellow 
precipitate;.  Color,  emerald-green.  In  one  direction  perfectly 
cleavable. 

Volborthite,  (CuCa)4V2O0  -f  H2O.  Melts  very  easily, 
yielding  with  soda  a  copper  globule.  Its  powder,  ground  with 
soda  and  heated  to  fusion  in  a  platinum  crucible,  furnishes  a 
mass  which,  extracted  witli  boiling  water,  produces,  upon 
addition  of  hydrochloric  acid  and  proper  evaporation,  an  eme- 
rald-green liquor,  changing  to  a  sky-blue  when  more  water  is 
added.  Color  of  the  mineral  yellowish-green. 

*  Pseudomalachite,  Cu^On-p- 3Aq.    Brush's  Determ.  Miu.,  p.  75. 


2G8  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Division  4. — B.  B.  impart  to  a  borax  lead  a  fne  sappJtirc- 
blue  color.  (Cobalt.) 

Erythrite  (cobalt  bloom,  Kobaltbluethe),  Co3As2O8  +  8Aq. 
B.  B.  in  a  matrass  affords  water  and  becomes  smalt-blue. 
Dissolves  in  muriatic  acid  to  a  rose-red  liquid.  Color,  carmine- 
peach,  rose-red. 

ANN  ABERGITE,  NICKELBLUETIIE  (Nickelocker),  Ni3  As.2O8-f- 
8Aq  (always  containing  oxide  of  cobalt).  B.  B.  in  a  matrass 
yields  a  large  quantity  of  water.  Its  solution  in  muriatic  or 
nitric  acid  is  of  a  green  color.  Ammonia  gives  a  greenish 
precipitate  soluble  in  excess  to  a  sapphire-blue  liquid.  Color, 
fine  apple-green. 

Heterogenite,  (CoO  -f  2Co2O3)  -f  6Aq.)  Soluble  in  IIC1 
with  evolution  of  chlorine,  colors  the  flame  green.  Color,  black, 
red,  brown. 

Division  5 — Fused  B.  B.  in  the  forceps  or  on  coal  in  the 
reduction  flame,  yield  a  black  mass  which  acts  upon  the 
magnetic  needle  (this  includes  none  contained  in  the  pre- 
ceding divisions). 

In  order  to  discover  the  magnetism  of  a  mineral  it  is  well 
to  use  large  masses  of  such  as  fuse  easily,  and  to  expose  them 
for  some  time  to  the  reduction  flame. 

Section  i. — Evolve  when  fused  upon  coed  strong  arsenical  odor. 

PITTICITE  (Pittizit,  iron  sinter,  Eisensinter).  Composi- 
tion uncertain  ;  contains  As.2041?e03S03H20. 

PIIARMACOSIDERITE  (beudantite,  cube  ore,  Wuerfelerz), 
Fe4As6027+  15Aq,  and 

SCORODITE  (Skorodit),  £eAs2Oj-f  4Aq.  B.  B.  fuse  easily  to 
a  magnetic  globule.  In  potassa  the  powder  immediately 
assumes  a  reddish-brown  color.  The  last  two  are  found  crys- 
tallized, the  former  one  in  the  isometric  (or  cubic),  the  latter  in 
trimetric  (or  rhombic)  system.  Their  color  is  green  of  dif- 
ferent shades.  Iron  sinter  is  amorphous.  Lustre,  opalescent 
or  vitreous.  Color,  brownish,  blood-red,  also  white. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  '200 

ARSENIOSIDERITE  (atsenocrocite),  (Ca3Fe)As/)8-l-  H^FcOg. 
Fibrous,  of  silky  lustre,  and  brownisli-yellow  color. 

MORENOSITE  (pyromeline,  nickel  vitriol),  NiSO4  -{-  7Aq. 
Light  blue-green;  mostly  soluble  in  water;  with  caustic 
ammonia  in  excess  it  yields  a  blue  liquid.  (Sometimes  con- 
tains arsenic.) 

Section  ii. — Soluble  in  HCl  without  perceptible  residue,  and  without 
gelatinizing.  (Evolve  B.  B.  no  arsenical  odor  when  fused  on 
Ch.) 

Ludwigite.*  Comp.  R4FB20,0.  Contains  Mg,  Fe,  3?e  (von 
Kob.) 

Sussexite.*  General  formula  R2B2O5  +  Aq  =  (Mn,  Mg)2 
B205  -\-  H2O.  Both  give  the  boric  acid  reaction  with  sulphuric 
acid  and  alcohol.  B.  B.  sussexite  imparts  a  violet  color  to  the 
hot  borax  bead  (oxide  of  manganese). 

Rabdionite  (Cu,  Mn,  Co)  (Fe,  Mn)04.  B.  B.  gives  much 
water  in  a  closed  tube  (13  p.  c.),  and  colors  the  borax  bead 
blue.  Soluble  in  strong  HCl  with  evolution  of  chlorine. 
Soluble  in  phosphoric  acid  to  a  violet  fluid.  Color,  black. 

Pettkoite  (Fe3,  Fe)  S3012.  B.  B.  gives  little  or  no  water  in  the 
closed  tube  (1 J  p.  c.),  is  soluble  in  water.  Chloride  of  barium 
gives  a  white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  barium.  Color,  black. 
Streak,  dirty-green. 

Melanterite  (copperas,  iron  vitriol).     FeSO4  -f  7  Aq,  and 

BOTRYOGEN  (red  iron  vitriol),  (Fe,  Mg)  Fe2S4016+ 12Aq. 
B.  B.  intumesce  strongly,  and  in  the  reduction  flame  fuse  to  a 
magnetic  slag.  Copperas  is  entirely  soluble  in  water.  Botry- 
ogen  leaves  a  yellow  residue  of  peroxide  of  iron.  The  solu- 
tion gives  with  chloride  of  barium  a  heavy  precipitate  of 
sulphate  of  barium.  With  ammonia  it  forms  a  greenish  pre- 
cipitate, which  exposed  to  the  air  changes  to  a  brownish-red. 

*  According  to  Brush  (Determ.  Min.,  p.  82),  ludwigite  is  only  a 
sub-species  of  sussexite.  See,  also,  E.  S.  Dana's  Textb.,  p.  358. 

23* 


270  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Color  of  botryogen,  ochre-yellow  to  red.  Streak,  yellow. 
Melantcr'de  is  green. 

A  deportment  similar  to  botryogen  is  exhibited  by — 

Coguimbite,  J?eS3012  -f  9Aq. 

Roemerite,  (Fe,  Zn)$»e84OM-f  l^Aq  (is  yellowish-brown). 

Jarosite,  K^e^O^  -f-  6Aq. 

Fibroferrite  (stypticite),  FeS209+ lOAq. 

All  of  these  are  yellow.  Fibroferrite  occurs  in  fibres  of  a 
silken  lustre  and  pale  yellow  color.  Their  powders  are  imme- 
diately turned  brownish-red  by  solution  of  potassa  (Fe2O3). 
Melanterite  at  first  greenish,  then  black. 

Here  belong  (likewise  furnishing  a  yellow  powder) — 

Copiapite,  Pe,S5021-f- 18Aq. 

Raimondite,  3Pe2S30154-7Aq. 

Pastreite  orjarosife  (Brush),  K2Fe3S4022  -f-  6Aq. 

Carphosiderite,  ^4s6°27-f  18A(1-  Insoluble  in  water.  Pow- 
ders yellow. 

Voltaite,  3£eS3012 -f  20Aq.  Characterized  by  its  black  to 
dark-green  color  and  octahedral  crystallization.  All  these 
sulphates  B.  B.  in  the  closed  tube  yield  water. 

SIDERITE  (spathic-iron,  Eisenspath),  FeC03.  With  diffi- 
culty fusible,  becomes  by  heating  black  and  magnetic.  Dissolves 
.in  warm  HC1  with  effervescence*.  H.  4.  G.  3.75.  Compare 
Mesi tine-spar  (Mesitite). 

The  following  minerals,  inclusive  of  beraunite,  contain  phos- 
phoric acid,  and  their  nitric  acid  solution  yields  with  molyb- 
date  of  ammonium,  at  a  gentle  heat,  a  yellow  precipitate. 

HUREAULITE  (Huraulith,  hydrous  phosphate  of  iron  and 
manganese),  (Mn,  Fe,  H2)3PaO8  -[-  4Aq,  and 

TRIPLITE  (phosphate  of  iron  and  manganese),  (Fe,  Mn)s 
P2O8(Fe,  Mn,  Fl).  B.  B.  fuse  easily,  and,  when  moistened 
with  sulphuric  acid,  tinge  the  flame  with  a  feeble  bluish-green. 
They  dissolve  with  borax  in  the  exterior  flame  to  an  amethys- 
tine bead.  -Hureaulite  in  a  matrass  yields  a  considerable 
amount  of  water;  the  other  only  a  trace.  With  phosphoric 
acid,  boiled  down,  both  yield  a  colorless  liquid,  which,  upon 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  271 

«• 

addition  of  nitric  acid,  turns  violet.  Hureaulite  is  of  a  red- 
dish-yellow color ;  is  not  cleavable.  Triplite  is  brownish  or 
black,  cleavable  at  right  angles  in  three  right  angular  direc- 
tions. A  similar  deportment  to  triplite  is  shown  by  zwieselite.* 
Both  give  the  reaction  for  fluorine  when  fused  in  a  close  tube 
with  bisulphate  of  potassa. 

Sarcopside  4(Mn,  Fe)3P,08 -f  H4Fe()5.  Color,  flesh -red  to 
lavender-blue.  Streak,  straw-yellow.  Compare  the  follow- 
ing \r-  • 

Trlpltyliie.      Triphyline,  (Fe,  Mn,  Li2)3P2O8. 

B.  B.  gives  a  deportment  similar  to  the  preceding ;  the  re- 
action of  manganese  with  borax  is  less  distinct,  but  the  bead 
is  colored  more  strongly  with  iron.  When  the  solution  in 
HC1  with  addition  of  nitric  acid  is  evaporated  to  dryness, 
and  alcohol  added,  then  heated  to  the  boiling  point  and 
lighted,  purple-red  stripes  will  be  visible  occasionally  in  the 
flame,  especially  towards  the  last.  This  behavior  (caused  by 
the  presence  of  lithia)  easily  distinguishes  it  from  similar  phos- 
phates of  iron.  Color,  greenish-gray,  bluish,  etc.  Cleavable 
in  four  directions. 

.Diadochite,  Fe2O3,  SO3,  P2O5,  H2O.  Easily  soluble  in  hydro- 
chloric acid,  the  solution  yields  with  chloride  of  barium  a  heavy 
white  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  baruim.  Amorphous.  Color 
red  to  yellowish-brown.  The  powder  is  yellow. 

Vivianite  (blue  iron  earth),  Fe3P2O8  +  Aq. 

Dufrenite,  kraurite  (green  iron  ore),  5?^J)a°!i+  3Aq. 

Cacoxenite,  kacoxene,  Fe.2P208-{-12Aq,  and  borickite 
(Fe,  Ca3)5P040,5+15Aq. 

B.  B.  fuse  easily,  and  when  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid 
they  exhibit  the  same  reaction  as  the  preceding.  They  impart 
to  borax  bead  only  the  color  of  oxide  of  iron  (i.  e.  in  the  ex- 
terior flame  it  is  red  when  hot,  after  cooling  yellow) ;  in  the 
reduction  flame  it  is  bottle-green.  The  hydrochloric  acid  solu- 
tion yields  with  chloride  of  barium  no  precipitate.  In  a 

*  Brush  considers  both  identical. 


272  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

matrass  they  yield  "a  large  proportion  of  water.  Cocoxene 
loses  by  ignition  3.3,  vivianite  28,  borickite  19,  and  dufrenite 
8^  per  cent,  of  water.  Color  of  vivianite  is  blue  of  different 
shades  ;  that  of  anglarite  gray  inclining  to  blue  ;  that  of  dufre- 
nite dark  leek-green  ;  that  of  cacoxene  ochre-yellow  ;  and  that 
of  borickite  reddish-brown.  Another  phosphate  resembling 
these  is  beraunite. 

Beraunite,  FeP2084-  Aq,  exhibits  a  hyacinth-red,  or  red- 
dish-brown color. 

Hematite,  peroxide  of  iron,  red  iron  ore,  specular  iron,  is 
easily  distinguished  by  the  cherry-red  color  of  its  streak  (gene- 
rally fusible  above  5).  Compare  limonite.  H.  6-6.5.  G.4.5. 

Section  iii.  With  hydrochloric  acid  form  a  jelly,  or  is  decomposed 
ivith  separation  of  silica.* 

Cronstedtite,  3(Fe,  Mg),Si04+ Pe2Si08+ 6Aq.  In  a  matrass 
affords  water,  and  B.  B.  fuses  with  intumescence  to  a  black 
bead.  With  muriatic  acid  it  forms  a  perfect  jelly.  (Sidero- 
schisolite^  shows  a  similar  deportment,  and  belongs  probably 
to  the  same  species.)  Color,  raven-black.  Streak,  dark  leek- 
green.  Hardness  between  2  and  3. 

A  similar  deportment  is  shown  by  thuringite.  The  analysis! 
yielded  :  SiO2  23,  Fe203 15,  A12O3  17,  FeO  33,  H2O  12  =  100. 
The  solution  in  aqua  regia  yields,  with  ammonia,  a  precipitate 
of  FeaO3  and  AlaO3.  If  this  mixture  is  boiled  with  caustic 
potash,  A12O3  is  extracted,  leaving  Fe2O3  behind.  From  the 
potassa  solution,  rendered  acid  with  HC1,  ammonia  throws 
down  A12O3.  Found  in  Thiiringen,  and  in  the  United  States 
at  the  Hot  Springs,  Ark.,  and  at  Harper's  Ferry. 

*  The  residue  may  be  recognized  as  pure  silica  when  it  is  easily 
and  perfectly  soluble  in  potassa,  or  at  least  the  greater  portion.  The 
solution  yields  by  the  addition  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of  dissolved 
sal  ammoniac,  a  white  flaky  precipitate  of  hydrous  silica.  B.  B.  silica 
fuses  readily  with  soda  to  a  transparent  glass  (the  soda  should  be 
added  gradually). 

t  J.  D.  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  5th  ed.,  p.  504. 

t  F.  von  KobelPs  Mineralogie,  5  Aufl.     Leipzig,  1878,  p.  225. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  273 

Chalcodite,  (Fe,  Mg)2  (Fe,  Al)Si5013-f-  3Aq,  and  stilpnomelane, 
of  nearly  the  same  composition,  yield  water  in  a  bolt-head  (9 
per  cent.),  are  decomposed  by  hydrochloric  acid  without  gela- 
tinizing. The  color  of  chalcodite  is  green,  inclining  to 
bronze  ;  that  .of  stilpnomelane  black.  Their  streak  is  greenish- 
gray.  Related  closely  with  chalcodite  are  : — 

Voiytite,  3tl,  £e,  Mg,  Si,  Aq. 

Ekmannite,  Fe,  Mn,  Pe,  Si,  Aq   and 

Euralite,  Fe,  Mg,  Si,  Pe,  gi,  Aq. 

Whilst  chalcodite  is  radiated  and  sometimes  foliated,  voigtite 
is  micaceous,  and  the  last  two  are  massive.  In  the  matrass 
yield  water,  and  are  decomposed  by  HC1  without  gelatinizing. 

Palagonite,  £l>  3?«>  Mg,  Ca,  Si,  Aq.  Is  amorphous,  and  has  a 
brownish-yellow  streak.  Yields  much  water  (16  p.  c.),  fuses 
at  3  to  a  black,  lustrous,  magnetic  glass.  Sometimes  gelatin- 
izes, sometimes  does  not,  with  HC1.  Compare  jollyte. 

Lievrite  (Ilvaite),  H,Ca,Fe4FeSi4018. 

Allanite  (Orthite),  (Ce,  La,  Di,  Fe,  Ca)3(AlFe)Si3012.  Are  not 
cleavable,  gelatinize  with  HC1.  Give  little  or  no  water  in  the 
closed  tube.  Allanite  swells  much  and  fuses  easily  to  a  bulky 
brown  or  black  glass.  After  separation  of  SiO3  from  the  HC1 
solution,  ammonia  gives  a  heavy  precipitate,  which  dissolves 
in  oxalic  acid,  leaving  a  white  residue,  which,  ignited  and 
treated  with  dilute  HC1  to  separate  carbonate  of  calcium  and 
again  ignited,  gives  a  brick-red  mass  (oxide  of  cerium).  Color, 
pitch-brown  to  greenish-black.  Streak,  greenish-gray.  Hard- 
ness, 5.5-6  (orthaclase). 

Lievrite  (ilvaite).  Intumesces  slightly;  decrepitates  slightly 
and  fiises  easily  to  an  iron  black  magnetic  bead.  Color  brown, 
ish-black  ;  streak,  black.  Hardness,  between  apatite  and  ortho- 
elase. 

Fayalite,  Fe2SiO4,  and 

Hortonolite,  (Fe,Mg)aSiO4.  Crystalline  and  cleavable  ;  gela- 
tinize perfectly.  Decomposed  by  phosphoric  acid.  The  jelly 
of  hortonolite  turns  immediately  violet  when  treated  with  nitric 
acid. 


274  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  same  deportment  is  exhibited  by 

Knebelite,  (Fe,Mn).28iO4,  and 

Ropperite,  (Fe,Mn,Zn,Mg),SiO4. 

Tlie  latter  gives,  with  soda  on  coal,  a  deposit  of  oxide  of 
zinc. 

Pyrosmalite,  ((FeMn)Cl2-f  7(Fe,Mn)SiO.{)  +  5Aq,  and 

Astrophyllite,  (K,Na)6(Fe,Mn)15(Pe,Al)2(Si,Ti)1605f),  are  decom- 
posed by  HC1,  leaving  a  residue  of  silica  without  gelatinizing. 
B.  B.  they  fuse  easily  at  2-2.5. 

Pyrosmalite  mixed  with  salt  of  phosphorus  and  oxide  of 
copper  tinges  the  flame  bluish-green  (chlorine).  Astrophyllite 
does  not. 

Both  distinctly  cleavable  in  one  direction  ;  the  latter  often 
micaceous. 

The  hydrochloric  acid  solution  of  the  latter  when  boiled  with 
tin  is  colored  violet,  turning  rose-red  when  diluted  (titanic  acid 
reaction). 

Lepidomelane,  K^Fe-jCAljFejgSigO^.  In  small  six-sided  tables, 
or  an  aggregate  of  minute  scales.  Color,  raven  black.  Streak, 
grayish-green.  Decomposed  easily  by  HC1,  leaving  a  residue 
of  silica  in  the  form  of  scaly  flakes. 

Allochroite  (iron-lime  garnet,  Eisenkalkgranat),  Ca3FeSi3012  in 
some  varieties  forms  an  imperfect  jelly  with  cone.  IIC1.  Not 
cleavable,  easily  fusible.  Color,  green,  yellow  to  black. 

Gillingite,  £V,Fe,Mg,Ca,Si,  Aq,  and 

Xylotile  (Bergholz,  Germ.),  3?e,Mg,Si,  Aq,  are  fusible  with 
difficulty,  and  become  magnetic  only  after  long  blowing.  They 
are  decomposed  by  muriatic  acid  without  gelatinizing.  The 
former  is  brownish-black ;  amorphous ;  the  last  is  brown ; 
fibrous,  like  wood.  In  a  matrass  both  give  water.* 

*  Many  limonites  (hydrated  peroxide  of  iron,  Thoneisenstein), 
F<'.2-H3.  fuse  and  become  magnetic-;  they  dissolve  in  concentrated  mu- 
riatic acid  with  separation  of  clay.  Streak,  mostly  ochre-yellow  or 
brownish-red. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  27~> 

Section  iv. — Only  sliyhtly  attacked  by  hydrochloric  acid. 

CROCIDOLITE  (Krokydolitb,  blue  asbestos),  Fe,  Na2,  Mg, 
Si,  Aq. 

AKFVEDSOMTK  (black  hornblende),  Na  Si-4-Fe3  Sir  2(Na2, 
Fe,  Ca)  Si03  -f  Fe,  Si3O9 — B.  B.  fuse  easily  at  from  1.7  to  2 
with  intumescence  and  frothing,  to  a  black  mass.  In  a  matrass 
the  second  affords  no  water ;  is  perfectly  cleavable  under 
123°  55'.  Color,  black.  Streak,  grayish  to  green.  Crocido- 
lite  in  a  matrass  affords  some  water.  Color,  green  to  lavender- 
blue  ;  has  been  noticed  only  in  aggregated  fibres. 

(Compare  ampltibole  and  tourmaline  (some  varieties  of  which 
act  feebly  upon  the  magnet  after  fusion).) 

GLAUCONITE.  SELAUONITE  (green  earth,  Griinerde), 
Fe,  Mg,  K2,  Xl,  Si,  Aq — B.  B.  fuses  at  3  quietly  without  intumes- 
cence. In  a  matrass  yields  some  water.  Color,  olive  to  sea- 
green.  Hardness  1. 

Ac  MITE  (Achmit),  (Na6  Fe3  Fe)  Si3  09,  and 

Babingtonite,  £e,Ca,Fe,Mn,Si,  fuse  quietly.  Acmite  at  2, 
babingtonite  at  2.6  to  a  black  glistening  mass.  Acmite  is 
cleavable  at  an  angle  of  about  93°.  Babingtonite  when  fused 
with  potassa  and  dissolved  in  muriatic  acid  gives  with  ammonia, 
or  better  with  oxalate  of  ammonium,  a  heavy  precipitate  of  lime ; 
acmite  gives  none  or  only  a  very  slight  precipitate. 
.  (Compare  augite  (black  crystallized  pyroxene).) 

Almandite  (  Almandine  garnet, •Thoneisengranat),  Fe3A:lSi3Oir 
B.  B.  fuses  quietly  at  3.  Gelatinizes  after  fusion.  Is  not 
ch-avable.  Hardness,  7-7.5.  Color,  red,  brown-red.  Sp.  gr. 
3.7-4. 

(Compare  also  allochroite  (Eisenkalk-granat).) 
Wolframite  (Wolfram),  (Fe,Mn)WO4,  and 

Ferberite  (of  the  same  composition).* 

Color,  black.  Streak,  ochre-yellow.  Lustre,  submetallic. 
Boiled  with  cone,  phosphoric  acid  give  a  blue  liquid,  which 

*  The  ferberite  of  von  Kobell  is  considered  identical  with  wolframite. 
Sec  Brush,  Deterin.  Min.,  p.  78. 


270  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

diluted  with  water  becomes  colorless.  Upon  addition  of  iron 
powder  and  shaking  the  solution  turns  fine  blue  again. 

B.  B.  with  soda  and  nitre  on  platinum  foil  give  the  bluish- 
green  manganese  reaction. 

A  similar  deportment  is  shown  by 

Megabasite  (Blumit),  (Mn,Fe)WO4.  Color,  brown.  Streak, 
ochre-yellow. 

Rhodonite  (Mangankiesel),  MnSiO3.  Color,  rose-red,  brown- 
ish-red. Lustre,  vitreous. 

B.  B.  some  varieties  become,  after  fusing,  magnetic.  Im- 
parts a  violet  color  to  the  borax  bead. 

Lepidolite  (lithionite,  Lithionglimmer),  (K,NaLi)cAl4Si12039. 
After  fusion  frequently  magnetic.  Tinge  the  flame  distinctly 
purple-red  (lithia) ;  eminently  cleavable  in  one  direction  (mi- 
caceous). 

(Compare  Lepidomelane,  K1Fe2(AliJe)3Si6024.) 

Division  0 — Not  included  in  the  foregoing  divisions. 

Molybdite  (Molybdiinocker),  MoO3.  B.  B.  on  coal  fuses, 
fumes,  and  is  absorbed.  By  fusion  with  soda  and  elutriation 
of  the  coal  we  can  obtain  a  steel-gray  powder  oflreduced  molyb- 
denum. With  salt  of  phosphorus  in  the  reduction  flame  a  dark 
glass  is  formed,  which  on  cooling  acquires  a  clear  green.  In 
muriatic  acid  it  dissolves  easily,  the  solution  being  colorless, 
but  when  stirred  with  tinfoil  immediately  assumes  a  blue  color. 
Color,  sulphur-yellow,  inclining  to  orange. 

Eulytite  (WismuthWende). 

Silicate  of  bismuth,  Bi4Si3O12,  and 

Bismutite,  2Bi8C3O]8  -f  9H2O,  B.  B.  fused  with  sulphur 
and  iodide  of  potassium  on  charcoal  give  a  fine  red  sublimate 
on  the  coal  (bismuth). 

Eulytite  gelatinizes  perfectly  with  HC1. 

Bismutite  dissolves  with  effervescence  in  it. 

Pucherite,  BiVO4.  B.  B.  reacts  of  bismuth  like  the  pre- 
ceding ;  gives  with  HC1  a  greenish-blue  solution  which,  diluted 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  277 

with  water,  yields  a  yellow  precipitate,  whilst  the  filtrate  has 
a  sky-blue  color.  Color,  reddish-brown.  Streak,  ochre-yellow. 

(Compare  samarskite.) 

Also  allanite  in  the  preceding  division,  which  after  fusion 
is  not  always  magnetic. 

(Compare  likewise  lepidomelane.) 

Part  B. — B.  B.  FUSED  WITH  SODA  ON  COAL  YIELD  NO  ME- 
TALLIC GLOBULE,  OR  FUSED  ALONE  IN  THE  R.  F.  DO 
NOT  ACT  ON  THE  MAGNETIC  NEEDLE. 

Division  1  — After  fusion  and  continued  ignition  on  coal  in  the 
forceps  or  the  platinum  spoon,  give  an  alkaline  reaction, 
turning  moistened  red  litmus  paper  blue;  and  yelhw  tur- 
meric paper,   broivn.      The  assay  must  be  employed   in 
splinters  and  not  in  powder  form  * 

Section  i.— In  water  easily  and  perfectly  soluble. 

Nitrate  of  potassium  (saltpetre),  KNO3. 

Nitratine  (nitrate  of  sodium,  sodanitre),  NaNO3.  B.B.  heated 
gently  on  charcoal  they  deflagrate  in  a  lively  manner,  which 
does  not  occur  with  those  following.  Fused  on  platinum  wire, 
nitrate  of  potassium  tinges  the  flame  bluish,  inclining  to  red. 
Nitrate  of  sodium  colors  it  strongly  yellow.  In  the  solution  of 
nitrate  of  potassium,  chloride  of  platinum  causes  a  yellow  pre- 
cipitate (potassa).  In  nitrate  of  sodium  solution  it  occasions 
none. 

Sodium  carbonate,  NaaCO3  -f  lOAq. 

Thcrmonatrite,  Na2CO3  +  Aq,  and 

Trona  or  sesquicarbonate  of  sodium,  Na4C,O8  -f  3Aq. 

li.  1>.  in  the  closed  glass  tube  give  much  water.  Their  solu- 
tion in  water  is  alkaline  and  effervesces  on  the  addition  of  an 

*  Konngott  has  shown  that  many  silicates  and  other  compounds 
react  before,  or  only  after  fusion,  (ilhiliuc,  when  they  are  placed  in 
iiotn/rr  form  upon  moist  turmeric  paper,  but  not  wbcn  in  tbe  sliapo  of 
sjillii/t'.rs.  The  above-mentioned  minerals,  however,  exhibit  an  alka- 
line reaction  even  in  splinter  form. 
24 


278  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

acid.     The  crystals  of  the  former  soon  deliquesce  by  exposure 
in  the  air.     Sesquicarbonate  of  sodium  does  not. 

Mirabilite  (sulphate  of  sodium,  Glauber's  salt),  Na2SO4  + 
lOAq. 

Thenardite  (anhydrous  sulphate  of  sodium),  Na2SO4. 

Aphthitalite  (glaserite,  sulphate  of  potassium),  K2SO4. 

JEpsomite*  (sulphate  of  magnesium, 'Epsom  salt),  MgS04  -f- 
7Aq. 

Kalinite  (sulphate  of  potassium  and  aluminium,  potash  alum), 
K2AlS4016-f24Aq.  Their  solution  in  water  does  not  give  an 
alkaline  reaction  or  effervesce  by  the  addition  of  an  acid  ; 
chloride  of  barium  causes  a  heavy  precipitate  of  sulphate  of 
barium  which  is  insoluble  in  acids.  In  the  solutions  of  alum 
and  of  ep  somite,  carbonate  of  potassium  produces  white  precipi- 
tates. They  are  easily  distinguished  B.  B.,  since  the  mass  that 
remains  after  expulsion  of  the  water  and  continued  strong 
ignition,  assumes,  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  heated 
again,  in  the  former  (alumina)  a  fine  blue,  in  the  latter  a  flesh- 
red  color  (magnesia).  In  the  solutions  of  the  other  minerals 
alkalies  cause  no  precipitates.  A  concentrated  solution  of 
glaserite  yields  a  yellow  precipitate  with  chloride  of  platinum, 
while  the  first  two  give  none.  In  a  matrass,  mirabilite  affords 
a  large  quantity  of  water,  but  thenardite  gives  none. 

Taclthydrite,  CaMg1Cl6  +  12Aq  =  CaCl>  +  2MgCJ,  +  12Aq 
(Kammelsb.).  Gives  in  the  closed  tube  much  water.  B.  B. 
fuses  at  first  on  its  surface  when  a  non-fusible  mass  remains, 
which  colors  the  flame  finely  red  and  reacts  alkaline.  In 
water  easily  and  completely  soluble.  The  solution  reacts  of 
lime  and  magnesia.  Color,  yellowish.  Deliquescent. 

*  Epsomite  contains  50  per  cent,  of  water.     Similar  compounds  are 
Loweite,  2Na2MgS2Og  -j-  5Aq,  and 

Kieserite,  MgS04  -f-  Aq  ;  both  with  14  per  cent,  of  Aq. 
Bloedite,  Na2MgS2O8  +  4Aq,  and 

iSimoityitc,  Na2MgS208  -f-  4Aq  ;  both  with  21  per  cent,  of  Aq. 
Picromerite  (kainite),  K2MgSaO8  +  GAq. 

The  aqueous  solution  of  the  last  yields  with  nitrate  of  silver  a  white 
precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  279 

CarnaUitc,  KMgCl3+  GAq  =  KC1  _J-MgCl2-f  6Aq.  B.  B. 
fuses  easily.  After  continued  fusion  on  platinum  foil,  tlie 
remaining  mass  reacts  alkaline.  Sohvble  in  water.  Gives  no 
reaction  of  lime,  but  of  magnesia  with  phosphate  of  sodium  ; 
when  free  ammonia  is  present,  a  white,  crystalline  precipitate 
of  ammonio-magnesium  phosphate  being  formed.  A  solution 
of  chloride  of  platinum  indicates  the  presence  of  K2O  by  fur- 
nishing a  yellow,  crystalline  precipitate  in  moderately  dilute 
solutions  of  the  mineral. 

HALITE  (rocksalt,  common  salt,  chloride  of  sodium),  NaCl 
and  sylvite,  KC1.  Are  anhydrous,  and  easily  recognized  by 
their  taste.  The  aqueous  solution  gives  with  chloride  of 
barium  and  alkalies  no  precipitate;  with  nitrate  of  silver  a 
curdy  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver.  Chloride  of  platinum 
produces  with  the  first,  none  ;  with  the  second,  a  yellow  pre- 
cipitate (K2O).  The  solution  shows  no  alkaline  rea-ction. 

BORAX  (tinkal,  biboratc  of  sodium),  Na2B407  -{-  lOAq.  The 
solution  has  an  alkaline  reaction,  and  does  not  effervesce  with 
acids.  After  being  treated  with  sulphuric  acid  and  evaporated 
to  dryness,  if  alcohol  be  added,  it  burns  with  a  green  flame 
(caused  by  boric  acid).  B.  B.  bubbles,  swells  up,  and  fuses 
lo  a  clear  bead. 

Section  ii. — Insoluble  in  water,  or  dissolving  with  difficulty. 

ULKXITE*  ';  (fforocalcite,  boronatrocalcite),  NaCaB.O()'-f 
5Aq.  Fuses  at  1.  Alone  it  tinges  the  flame  yellow.  Moistened 
with  sulphuric  acid  imparts  to  it  a  beautiful  green  (boric  acid). 
Yields  much  water  in  a  matrass.  Partially  soluble  in  hot 
water.  The  solution  is  alkaline  in  its  character.  In  muriatic 
acid  easily  and  quietly  soluble.  The  solution  when  evaporated 
leaves  a  residue  which  imparts  to  alcohol  the  property  of  burn- 

*  Von  Kobell  describes  under  the  name  of  "  borocaleite"  a  mineral, 
CaO,  2BO3  (containing  no  sod-iuni),  and  a  mineral  "  ul<>xite"  of  the  above 
formula,  both  from  southern  1'ern.  According  to  J.  I).  Dana's  Syst. 
of  Mineralogy,  5th  ed.,  p.  f>99,  both  minerals  are  alike,  sodium  bring 
an  rssciitial  constituent  found  in  both.  A.  A.  Hayes,  who  analy/ed 
it,  had  overlooked  tlic  sodium. 


280  .          MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ing  with  green  color.     The  mineral'  is  insoluble  in  sulphuric 
acid.*     (Occurs  in  delicate,  fibrous,  felt-like  masses.) 

Gay-lussite  (carbonate  of  calcium  and  sodium),  Na2CO3  -{- 
CaCO3-f  5Aq. 

Wither ite  (carbonate  of  barium),  BaC03,  and 

Staffelite,  CasP1O8  -f  CaCO3.  Are  dissolved  in  dilute  hydro- 
chloric acid  with  effervescence.  The  acid  solutions  of  gay- 
lussite  and  staffelite,  largely  diluted  with  water,  give  with 
sulphuric  acid  no  precipitate  ;  that  of  witherite  an  abundant 
deposit  of  sulphate  of  barium.  In  a  matrass  gay-lussite  affords 
much  water ;  willierite  and  staffelite  none.  The  solution  of 
staffelite  in  HC1  gives  with  NH3  a  precipitate,  the  others  do 
not.  The  HC1  solution  of  staffelite  yields  with  molybdate  of  am- 
monium at  a  gentle  heat  a  yellow  precipitate  (phosphoric  acid). 

(Compare  strontianite,  which  colors  the  flame  purple  (stron- 
tium).) 

ANHYDRITE  (anhydrous  sulphate  of  calcium),  CaSO4. 

GYPSUM  (hydrated  sulphate  of  calcium),  CaSO4  -f-  2Aq. 

POLYIIALITE  (sulphate  of  potassium,  calcium,  and  magne- 
sium), Ca2MgK2S4O16  +  2Aq. 

BRONGNIARTINE  (glauberite,  sulphate  of  sodium  and  calcium), 
Na2CaS2Og.  Are  quietly  soluble  in  sufficient  muriatic  acid. 
The  solution  gives  with  chloride  of  barium  a  heavy  precipitate 
of  sulphate  of  barium,  and  with  oxalate  of  ammonium,  after 
being  neutralized  with  caustic  ammonia,  it  yields  a  precipitate 
of  oxalate  of  calcium.  In  a  matrass  polyhalite  yields  some  water; 
gypsum,  a  large  amount ;  the  others  only  traces  of  water.' 
Poll/halite  and  brongniartine  are  soluble  in  water  with  separa- 
tion of  sulphate  of  calcium.  If  a  small  quantity  of  these  minerals 
is  boiled  with  water,  a  solution  is  obtained,  yielding  a  slight 
precipitate  with  oxalate  of  ammonium  (lime),  and  after  that  is 
filtered  off,  phosphate  of  sodium,  in  the  presence  of  free  ammonia, 
thrown  down  a  heavy  precipitate  of  phosphate  of  ammonium- 

*  Compare  strassfurtite  (boracite),  Mg7B16Cl2030.  Soluble  in  sul- 
phuric acid..  Reacts  alkaline  after  fusion,  from  an  admixture  of 
NaCl  and  MgCl,. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  281 

i)itf(/n.(>si'nm  in  the  filtrate  of  polyhallite,  but  none  in  that  of 
bronyniartine  (glauberite).  Their  fusibility  is  1.5. 

In  the  solution  of  polyhalite,  chloride  of  platinum  gives  a 
yellow  precipitate  (K2O)  ;  in  that  of  brongniartine,  none. 

Anhydrite  and  gypsum  are  only  slightly  soluble  in  water, 
and  their  fusibilities  =  2.5-3.  Hardness  of  anhydrite  is  3.5, 
all  the  others  are  softer. 

Closely  related  to  brongriiartine  is — 

Syitgenite  (kaluszite),  CaS04  -f  K2SO4  -f  Aq,  from  Kalusz 
in  Gallizien. 

BAKITE.     Heavy  spar,  sulphate  of  barium,  BaSO4,  and 

Celestite  (celestine,  sulphate  of  strontium),  SrS04.  Are  not, 
or  but  very  little,  attacked  by  H'Cl.  When  finely  pulverized 
celestite  is  boiled  with  HC1  enough  is  dissolved  to  form,  upon 
the  addition  of  chloride  of  barium,  a  slight  precipitate  of 
sulphate  of  barium.  B.  B.  with  soda  yield  hepar.  Heated  in 
the  forceps,  barite  tinges  the  flame  a  pale  yellowish-green  ; 
celestite  a  feeble  purple-red.  By  moistening  with  a  drop  of 
IIC1  the  particles  which  have  been  fused  arid  long  heated  in 
the  reduction  flame,  and  then  holding  the  mass  in  the  blue 
portion  of  a  candle  flame  (without  blowing)  it  colors  it  purple- 
red,  when  the  assay  is  celestite,  but  does  not  with  barite. 

FLUORITE  (fluespath,  Germ.),  CaFl2. 

CRYOLITE  (fluoride  of  sodium  and  aluminium,  Kryolith), 
Na(iAlF12  (or  GNaF-f-  A1F6). 

PIIARMACOLITE  (arsenate  of  calcium),  Ca2ls  +  OH.  B.  B. 
with  soda  do  not  give  hepar.  Do  not  effervesce  with  muriatic 
acid.  Arsenate  of  calcium  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  alliace- 
ous odor  when  fused  on  coal  (the  fragments  used  should  be  as 
large  as  possible).  The  other  two  heated  in  a  glass  tube  with 
sulphuric  acid  give  off  much  hydrofluoric  acid  gas,  which 
strongly  attacks  the  glass,  the  water  which  condenses  at  the 
upp<T  end  of  the  tube  reacts  for  fluorine  with  Brazil-wood 
paper.  Fusibility  of  liparite  3,  of  cryolite  1.*  Phosphores- 

*  Fuses  in  the  flame  of  a  candle. 
24* 


282  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

cence  is  obtained  from  the  coarsely-powdered  fluor-spar  below 
a  red  heat.  At  a  high  temperature  it  ceases,  but  is  partially 
restored  by  an  electric  discharge.  Cleavage,  octahedral. 

Closely  related  with  cryolite  is — 

Chiolite,  Na3A-lF9  (or  3NaF  -4-  A1F6) ,  occurs  in  granular  masses, 
while  cryolite  is  found  in  large  crystalline  lumps,  cleavable  in 
three  rectangular  directions.  Also  related  is — 

Pachnolite  (thomsenolite),  Na2Ca2A-lF12  -f-  2Aq.  Heated  in 
the  closed  tube  yields  water  which  has  a  strongly  acid  reaction. 
Similar  compounds  not  containing  water  are — 

Arksutite,  CaNa2A-lF10. 

Chodneffitv,  Na4A-lF10. 

Others  containing  water  are — 

Thomsenolite.  * 

Gearksutite,  Ca2AlF]0  -f-  4Aq  (19  p.  c.  water). 

Cancrinite,  Na2A-lSi208,  effervesces'  with  concentrated  hydro- 
chloric acid,  and  gelatinizes  when  heated  with  it.  B.  B.  it 
turns  white  and  turbid ;  fuses  at  2.5  with  intumescence,  and 
foaming  to  a  white,  porous  glass,  which,  when  moistened  and 
placed  upon  turmeric  paper,  reacts  alkaline  (brown).  Related 
to  nephelite  (nepheline),  (NaK)2&lSi208. 

Division  2. — Soluble  in  hydrochloric  acid;  some  also  in  water 
without  perceptible  residue;  the  solution  does  not  form  a 
gelatinous  mass. 

(Compare  from  the  preceding  division  those  minerals  which 
after  fusion  react  only  feebly  alkaline,  viz.,  kieserite,  kainite 
(picromerite,  Brush),  and  epsomite.) 

*  Prof,  von  Kobell  in  his  tables,  llth  edit.v1878,  mentions  "  pach- 
itolite"  and  J'  thomsenolite"  under  two  heads  as  distinct  minerals, 
while  the  chemical  identity  of  thomsenolite  and pachnolite  was  shown 
by  the  analyses  of  Knop  and  Wohler  to  he  merely  varieties  of  one  and 
the  same  species.  Consult  Textbook  of  Mineralogy,  by  E.  J.  Dana. 
New  York,  1877,  p.  243.  Also,  Brush's  Manual  of  Determinative 
Mineralogy, '3d  edit.,  1878,  p.  81,  giving  both  names  to  the  same 
mineral. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  283 

Durangite  (NaLi)2(AlPeMn)As4(0,F)9.  Fuses  easily,  with 
strong  sulphuric  acid  it  gives  off  hydrochloric  acid,  which 
corrodes  glass.  B.  B.  on  charcoal  evolves  fames  of  arsenic. 
Color,  orange-red.  Streak,  yellowish. 

Chondroarsenite,  Mn6As2On  -|-3Aq. 

Trdgerite,  U3As2O14  -f  12Aq,  and 

Walpuryite  (Walpurgin),  Bi10U3As4OS4  -j-  12Aq.  All  have 
a  yellow  color,  and  B.  B.  on  charcoal  develop  arsenical  fumes. 
Chondroarsenite  colors  a  bead  of  salt  of  phosphorus  amethys- 
tine (oxide  of  manganese)  ;  the  others  color  it  green.  Wal- 
purgite»with  S  -}-  KI  fused  together  gives  a  red  sublimate  on 
charcoal  (iodide  of  bismuth). 

Adamite  (Adamin,  Germ.),  Zn4 As2O9 -f  Aq.  B.  B.  easily 
fusible.  On  charcoal  evolves  arsenical  fumes,  giving  at  the 
same  time  a  zinc  coating.  Color,  honey-yellow. 

Fauserite  (Mn,  Mg)  SO4  -j-  Aq.  Soluble  in  water.  Heated 
with  P2O5  and  HNO3,  forms  a  violet  solution.  B.  B.  colors 
the  borax  bead  violet  when  hot  (oxide  of  manganese).  Con- 
tains 40  p.  c.  of  water. 

Tschermigite  (ammonia-alum)  (NH)2AlS4Ol6-f-24Aq. 

Keramohalite  (alunogen),  AlS30]2-J-lSAq,  and 

Goslarite  (sulphate  of  zinxi),  ZnSO2-|-7H2O.  Fuse  when  first 
heated,  puff  up,  and  form  an  infusible  mass,  which,  moistened 
with  cobalt  solution  and  again  heated,  assumes  a  fine  blue  color 
when  it  is  tschermigite  and  alunogen,  but  a  green  color  when 
it  is  sulphate  of  zinc.  With  soda  they  give  hepar,  and  are 
soluble  in  water.  Tschermigite  evolves  ammonia  vapor  when 
treated  with  caustic  potash  solution,  alunogen  does  not. 

Struvite,  NH4MgPO4  -f  12Aq.  Fuses  easily.  Gives  much 
water  in  a  matrass,  but  with  soda  no  hepar ;  evolves  when 
treated  in  powder  form  with  caustic  potash  (KHO)  or  soda 
(NaHO)*  the  odor  of  ammonia,  and  forming  white  fumes  when 
any  volatile  acid  as  HC1  is  brought  in  contact  with  it.  This 

*  Caustic  lime  (CaII./)2)  may  also  be  employed ;  in  that  case,  how- 
ever, it  must  be  in  the  solid  state,  not  in  solution. 


284  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

experiment  is  best  performed  by  inserting  a  glass  rod  moistened 
with  IICl  into  the  mouth  of  a  test-tube  in  which  the  decom- 
position of  the  ammonium  salt  is  being  effected,  and  immediately 
withdrawing  it.  The  HC1  employed  should  not  be  concentrated 
but  should  be  diluted  with  an  equal  volume  of  water.  The 
presence  of  vapor  of  free  ammonia  may  be  recognized  by  turn- 
ing red  litmus  paper  blue. 

Sassolite  (boron  trioxide,  boric  acid),  H6BaO6.- 

Boracite  (borate  of  magnesium),  Mg7B16Cl2O30,  and 

Stassfurthite,  2Mg3B8O]5  +  MgCJ2.* 

Hydrob or acite  (hydroborate  of  calcium  and  magnesium), 
CaMgB6  On  +  6Aq. 

LarderelliteJ  NH,OB4+  4H20. 

Sussexite  (Mn,Mg)2B205  -f-  H2O.  Fuse  easily  with  intum- 
escence and  color  (except  stassfurthite)t  the  flame  green  (boric 
acid).  When  the  powdered  minerals  are  heated  with  sulphuric 
acid,  then  alcohol  added  and  set  on  fire,  the  flame  is  tinged  in- 
tensely green  (boric  acid).  Larderellite  evolves,  when  treated 
in  powder  form  with  caustic  potash  or  soda-solution,  the  odor 
and  test  of  ammonia.  Sussexite  is  easily  distinguished  from 
the  others,  that  it  yields  a  violet  liquid  when  boiled  with  phos- 
phoric acid  and  nitric  acid  (manganese). 

B.  B.  Boracite  gives  none  or  only  traces  of  water,  whilst 
the  others  yield  water  abundantly.  Sassolite  is  soluble  in  water 
and  alcohol ;  the  others  are  not.  Hydroboracite  contains  2G 
per  cent,  of  water,  while  the  similar  mineral  szaibelyite,  Mg5 
B4On  -f-  3Aq,  contains  only  7  per  cent,  of  water.  Very  closely 
.related  to  boracite  is  stassfurthite,|  and  similar  to  hydro- 
boracite  is 

*  Prof.  v.  Kobell  mentions  boracite  and  stassfurtliite  as  two  distinct 
minerals,  although  of  an  identical  chemical  composition  ;  while  Profs. 
Dana  and  Brush  consider  both  under  one  head,  "boracite." 

f  J.  I).  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  fifth  edit.,  p.  600;  also  Am.  Jonrn. 
Sci.,  ii.  xvii.  130.  A  rare  borate  from  the  Tuscan  lagoons.  Analysis 
by  E.  Bechi. 

J  Constitutes  only  a  variety  ofboracite,  as  already  stated. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  285 

Lunebitrgite,  Mg3P2B2Ou  -f  8Aq.  It  yields,  however,  in  a 
nitric  acid  solution  with  molybdate  of  ammonium  a  yellow  pre- 
cipitate (P2O5),  which  is  not  the  case  with  the  others. 

(Compare  :    Tinkal,  NaO,B2O3  +  lOAq.) 

Alabandite  (alabandine)  MnS,  and 

Hauerite,  MnS2.  When  boiled  with  phosphoric  acid  and 
nitric  acid  is  added,  violet  solutions  are  produced.  The  roasted 
minerals  give,  with  borax,  a  violet  bead  in  O.  F.  (manganese). 
The  powder  of  alabandite  is  leek-green,  that  of  hauerite 
brownish-red. 

(Compare  :  I.  A.  5.) 
Wagnerite,  Mg3P2O8  +  MgF,. 

Apatite,  3Ca3P2O8  +  Ca(Cl,F)2,  and 

Kjeralfine,  2MgsP2O8  +  CaF2. 

B.  B.  Apatite  fuses  quietly  at  5.  Wagnerite  and  kjerulfine 
with  bubbling  at  3-3.5.  Kjerulfine  in  the  closed  tube  phos- 
phoresces with  a  faint  white  light.  Moistened  with  strong 
sulphuric  acid  all  color  the  flame  bluish-green.  The  nitric  acid 
solutions  give  with  molybdate  of  ammonium  a  yellow  precipitate 
(phospho-molybdate  of  ammonium).  Wagnerite  is  soluble  in 
dilute  sulphuric  acid.  Apatite  is  not.  Kjerulfine  is  with  sepa- 
ration of  sulphate  of  calcium.  The  solution  of  the  latter,  in  some- 
what concentrated  HC1,  yields  with  sulphuric  acid  at  once  a 
heavy  precipitate  of  gypsum.  Wagnerite  gives  none,  or  fur- 
nishes one  only  after  a  lapse  of  time. 

Brushite,  HCaPO4  -f-  2Aq.  Reacts  like  apatite  in  the  wet 
way,  but  gives  much  water  in  the  closed  tube  (26  per  cent.). 

Likewise : 

Isoclasite,  Ca4PaO9  -f  5Aq,  with  18  per  cent,  of  water. 

Ambhjgonite,  2A1P208+  3(Li,Na)F.  Fuses  easily  at  2,  coloring 
the  flame  purple-red  (lithia).  Soluble  with  difficulty  in  cone. 
HC1  and  H2SO4 ;  with  the  latter  evolves  hydrofluoric  acid,  also 
when  fused  with  bisulphate  of  potassium.  The  nitric  acid  solu- 
tion gives  a  yellow  precipitate  with  molybdate  of  ammonium 

O'A)- 

A  closely  related  mineral  is 


2S()  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Helronite,  with  4  per  cent,  of  water  give  a  pure  lithia  flame. 
Both  are  cleavable  at  an  angle  of  105°.  Hardness,  C.  Phos- 
phoresce with  a  light-blue  color. 

Autunite  (uranite,  Kalk-Uranit,  Germ.),  CaUaPa012-f  lOAq, 
or  2(UO^3P2O8+C;i3P2O54-30  Aq.  B:  B.  fuses  easily  in  the 
closed  tube,  and,  with  salt  of  phosphorus  in  O.  F.,  a  yellow 
glass,  which  in  R.  F.  turns  handsomely  green.  The  solutions 
in  HC1  and  HNO3  have  a  yellow  color,  and  yield  with  ammo- 
nia a  yellow  precipitate.  Give  like  amblygonite  the  phos- 
phoric acid  reaction  with  molybdate  of  ammonium. 

(Compare  chalcolite  (phosphate  of  uranium  and  copper).) 

Division   3. — Are  entirely  soluble  in  muriatic  acid,  forming  a 
stiff  jelly  upon  partial  evaporation. 

Section  i. — B.  B.  in  a  matrass  afford  'water.  :    . 

DATOLITE  (Datolith,  borosilicate  of  calcium),  HaCa2B2SisO10. 
In  a  matrass  gives  but  little  water  (the  others  much  water)  ; 
fuses  to  a  dense,  clear,  and  mostly  colorless  bead,  tinging  the 
ilame  green.  Gives  the  boric  acid  reaction  likewise  with 
sulphuric  acid  and  alcohol,  the  latter  burning  with  a  green 
flame  when  set  on  fire.  Prismatic  cleavage  perfect. 

EDINGTONITE,  BaAlSi3010+3Aq.  The  diluted  hydrochloric 
acid  solution  produces,  with  sulphuric  acid,  a  white  precipitate 
of  sulphate  of  barium.  Sp.  gr.  2.7. 

NATROLITE  (mesotype).  B.  B.  fuses  at  2,  quietly  without 
any  perceptible  intumescence.  The  HC1  solution  yields,  after 
the  alumina  has  been  thrown  down  by  caustic  ammonia,  no 
precipitate,  or  a  very  slight  one,  by  carbonate  of  ammonium. 
Loss  by  ignition  9^  p.  c.  (Compare  analcime.) 

Scolecite  (Skolezit,  Germ.),  CaAlSi3010-j-3Aq,  an(]  laumont- 
ite,  CaAlSi40124-4Aq.  B.  B.  curl  up  in  worm-like  forms  on 
fusion,  especially  scolecite,  which,  in  the  O.  F.,  gives  a  volu- 
minous, frothy,  shining  slag,  that,  in  the  R.  F.,  fuses  further 
into  a  vesicular  slightly  transparent  glass.  Laumontite  fuses, 
emitting  few  air-bubbles,  to  a  white  translucent  enamel. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  *2<S7 

H.  of  scolecite,  5.5;  of  laumontite,  3.  Scolecite  becomes 
electric  on  heating.  Closely  related  to  scolecite  are  : — 

Jl/csolite  (Ca,Na2)AlSi3Oj0-}-3Aq,  anj  thomsonite  (comptonife), 
2(Ca,Nf4)&lSisOg4-&A<li  but  neither  of  them  is  pyro-electrical. 

PIIILLIPSITE  (lime  harmotome)  (Ca,K2)AlSi208-f  5Aq.  Fuses 
at  3,  with  slight  intumescence ;  many  varieties  fall  to  powder 
like  arragonite  ;  occurs  crystallized  only  in  rectangular  prisms, 
terminated  with  rhombic  pyramids,  and  generally  in  twins,  one 
individual  being  united  to  another  by  a  common  main  axis 
at  1)0°. 

Here  belong  also — 

Gismondite  (Ca,K._,)AlSi30,04-4  Aq.  Usually  has  the  appear- 
ance of  the  square  octahedron.  Fuses  at  3  with  slight  intu- 
mescence. 

Jtfnerite,  &l,Ca,]S"a2,ir>,S,Si.  Fuses  with  intumescence.  In 
the  I1C1  solution,  chloride  of  barium  produces  a  slight  precipi- 
tate (BaS04). 

(Compare  also  the  following  division,  apophiUitc,  okcnitc, 
and  analciinc,  which  are  decomposed  by  muriatic  acid  to  a, 
gelatinous  mass,  but  not  to  a  thick  jelly.) 

Section  ii. — B.  B.  in  a  matrass  give  none,  or  only  traces  of  water. 

(Compare  datolite,  of  the  preceding  division.) 

TEPIIROITE  (mangan-chrysolite),  Mn2SiO4. 

HELVITE  (Helvin),  3(Be,Mn,Fe)2SiO4-f  (Mn,Fe)S.  Boiled 
with  P2O5,  with  addition  of  HNO3,  both  give  a  violet  solution. 

B.  B.  in  the  oxidizing  flame  impart  to  a  borax  bead  an 
amethystine  hue.  Helvite  evolves,  with  muriatic  acid,  sulphu- 
retted hydrogen.  Tephroite  does  not.  Tephroite  is  cleav- 
able  at  right  angles  (in  one  direction  perfectly),  the  other  not. 
Color  of  helvite  is  honey-yellow,  wax-yellow  ;  of  tephroite, 
reddish-brown,  grayish. 

Closely  related  with  helvite  is — 

Danalite,  3(Be,Mn,Fe,/n)2SiO4+  (Fe,Mn,Zn)S.  This  min- 
eral, containing  zinc,  gives  B.  B.*  a  slight  coating  of  zinc. 


288  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

With    soda  on   charcoal    and   with   borax   the   iron   reaction. 
Heated  with  HC1  evolves  H2S.     Color,  flesh-red,  gray. 

HAUYNITE  (HAUYNE),  2(Na,Ca)AlSi,O8-f  (N*,C*)SO4.  LAPIS- 
LAZULI,  and  LASUKSTEIN  (ultramarine)  of  similar  composi- 
tion, are  of  sky-blue  and  azure-blue  color.  Haiiynite  fuses 
with  difficulty  at  4.5  ;  lapis-lazuli  easily  at  3  ;  both  to  a  white 
glass.  B.  B.  both  yield  with  soda  upon  coal  hepar,  with  char- 
acteristic brownish-red  spots. 

Nosite  (Nosean,  Nosin),  a  soda  haiiynite,  2Na2-f  AlSi08-f 
Na2S04,  and 

Scolopsite  (Skolopsite},  3tl,Ca.Na2,S,Cl,Si,H"2.  Color,  grayish 
or  brownish.  Nosite  melts  at  4.5  ;  skolopsite  at  3,  with  foam- 
ing and  spirting.  The  hydrochloric  acid  solutions  of  both 
yield,  with  chloride  of  barium,  a  white  precipitate  of  sulphate 
of  barium.  Nosite  occurs  mostly  in  rhombic  dodecahedrons; 
skolopsite  massive  with  splintery  fracture. 

SODALITE  (Sodalith),  3Na2AlSi208-f  2NaCl,  and 

EUDIALYTE  (eucolite),  6Na2(Ca,Fe)2(Si,Zr)6O15  -f  NuCl. 
B.  B.  heated  with  a  flux  of  phosphorus  salt  and  oxide  of 
copper  give  the  reaction  of  chlorine,  by  imparting  to  the  flame 
a  transient  blue  color.  The  solution  in  nitric  acid  gives  with 
nitrate  of  silver  a  curdy  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver.  The 
diluted  IIC1  solution  of  eudialyte  colors  turmeric  paper  orange 
(reaction  for  zirconia).  When  the  solution  is  boiled  down  sul- 
phate of  potassium  to  crystallization,  and  this  mass  boiled  with 
water,  the  solution  is  rendered  turbid  from  precipitated  zirco- 
nia. Sodalite  fuses  B.  B.  to  a  clear,  colorless  bead.  Eudia- 
lyte to  an  opaque  pistachio-green  glass.  Spec.  grav.  of  sodalite, 
2.3  ;  of  eudialyte,  2.9. 

Wollastonite  (tabular  spar),  CaSiO2.  B.  B.  fuses  to  a  color- 
less semi-transparent  bead.  After  separation  of  the  silica,  from 
its  muriatic  acid  solution,  it  gives  with  ammonia  none,  or  only 
a  slight  precipitate;  with  carbonate  of  ammonium  an  abundant 
precipitate  of  carbonate  of  calcium.  (Compare  pectolite  (Pek- 
tolith),  HNaCa2Si3OJ. 

Nephelite  (elaeolite,  Davyne),  (Na,K)2AlSia08. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTKK.  289 

Meionite  (Mejonit),  Ca6Al4Si9036,  and 

Melilite  (Humboldtilite),  (vNa2Ca,Mg)12(Al,Fe)2Si9036. 

In  the  HC1  solution  of  these  minerals,  after  separation  of 
the  silica,  ammonia  gives  a  precipitate  (Fe2O3  and  A12O3). 
Meionite  fuses,  with  intumescence  and  evolution  of  light,  to  a 
vesicular  glass,  which  cannot  be  perfectly  rounded  by  fusion. 
The  others  fuse  quietly  without  intumescence.  The  solution 
of  nephelite  gives,  after  separation  of  alumina  by  NH3  and  fil- 
tration with  oxalate  of  ammonium,  none  or  a  slight  precipitate. 
That  of  melilite  a  heavy  precipitate  (lime).  The  decomposed 
nephelite,  when  containing  lime,  reacts  alkaline  after  fusion. 
Melilite  does  not.  (Compare  cancrinite.)  Nephelite  crystallizes 
hexagonal.  Melolite  in  the  tetragonal  (dimetric)  system.  A 
variety  of  nephelite  (elaeolite)  has  a  fatty  lustre. 

A  similar  deportment  to  melilite  is  shown  by 

Barsowite*  (variety  anorthite),  CaAlSi208.  B.  B.  fuses  at  4, 
Melilite  at  3  ;  the  latter  with  some  intumescence,  the  former 
quietly. 

(Compare  gehlenite,  Ca3(AlFe)Si2010.  Fusible  in  very  thin 
splinters  ;  does  not  swell.  Also 

Tachylite,  Fe,Mg,Ca,Na.2,£l,Si,H:2.) 

Division   4. — Dissolve   in  hydrochloric  acid,  the  silicic  acid 
separating  without  forming  a  perfect  jelly. 

(Many  must  be  finely  pulverized  before  being  treated  with 
concentrated  acid.) 
Section  i. — B.  B.  in  a  matrass  afford  water. 

Klipsteinite,  Mn3Mn,gi2B:2.  Treated  with  HC1,  evolves 
chlorine,  and  silica  separates  as  a  slimy  powder.  With  cone, 
phosphoric  acid  it  yields  a  violet  solution.  Gives  9  per  cent,  of 
water  on  ignition.  B.  B.  with  borax  gives  the  amethystine 
color  of  manganese. 

*  Brush  (Manual  of  Determinative  Mineralogy,  pp.  84  and  86)  con- 
siders amorthite  to  be  a  variety  of  barsowite,  both  having  an  identical 
composition.  (Compare  also  Dana's  Syst.  of  Mineralogy,  p.  340.) 

2$ 


290  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Apophyllite,  4(HfCaSiaO6+Aq)-fKF. 

'Pectolite  (Pektolith),  HNaCa2S5309,  and 

Okenite,  H2CaSi2O6  +  Aq. 

Easily  decomposed  by  HC1,  the  silica  separating  in  gelatin- 
ous lumps,  without  forming  a  stiff  jelly.  After  the  separation 
of  the  silica*  the  solution  gives  (with  an  excess  of  HC1)  with 
ammonia  no,  or  only  a  slight,  precipitate.  Pectolite  fuses  B.  B. 
with  slight  intumescence  to  a  white  enamel,  like  glass.  Yields 
but  little  water  (4  per  cent.).  After  fusion  gelatinizes  perfectly 
with  HC1.  The  others  yield  much  water.  Apophyllite  16  per 
cent.,  okenite  17  per  cent.  After  fusion  are  but  slightly  attacked 
by  HC1.  Apophyllite  fuses  at  1.5  to  a  vesicular  white  glass. 
Okenite  at  2.5-3,  with  frothing  to  a  porcelain-like  mass.t 

(Compare  xonaltite,  4CaSiO3  +  H2O.) 

Anolcite  (Analcime),  Na.,A:lSi4012-f-2Aq,  like  the  preceding,  is 
decomposed  by  HC1  to  a  gelatinous  mass,  but  after  separation 
of  the  silicic  acid,  the  solution  gives,  with  ammonia,  a  copious 
precipitate  of  alumina.  B.  B.  the  first  action  of  the  flame 
renders  it  white  and  turbid,  but  when  fusion  takes  place  it  be- 
comes clear,  like  water,  and  gives,  without  intumescence,  a 
shining  glass.  It  is  usually  found  crystallized  in  cubes  and 
trapezohedrons.  Not  cleavable.  8  per  cent,  of  water. 

Pyroschrite  (Pyrosklerit),  Mg12Al2Si9036+12Aq. 

Chonicrite  (Chonikrit),  (Ca,Mg)10Al2Si7030-}-6Aq,  and 

Jottyte  (Fe,Mg)6AltSi9036-j-12Aq,  are  readily  distinguished  from 
the  preceding,  and  following,  by  their  lower  degree  of  hardness, 
which  is  equal  to  that  of  calc-spar  (=3).  B.  B.  chonicrite  fuses 
at  3.5  to  4,  with  escape  of  bubbles ;  pyrosclerite  at  4  without 
bubbles ;  pyrosclerite  is  perfectly  cleavable  in  one  direction ; 
color,  green  ;  1 1  per  cent,  of  water.  Chonicrite  is  not  cleavable ; 
white-yellow  ;  9  per  cent,  of  water.  Jolyte  swells  up,  fuses 
with  difficulty,  is  amorphous ;  color,  brown ;  streak,  light-green ; 

*  In  order  to  separate  all  the  silica  completely,  the  solution  in  HC1 
must  be  evaporated  to  dryness  in  a  porcelain  dish,  again  digested 
(moistened)  with  some  HC1,  then  water  added  and  filtered. 

f  Compare  sepiolite  (meerschaum,  sea  foam),  Mg.,Si308-f-2Aq. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  291 

water,  13  per  cent.  The  following  have  a  similar  composition 
to  pyrosclerite  : 

Vermiculite  (Mg,Fe)12Al2Si9036+12Aq,  and 

Jeff'erisite,  Mg4(Alfe)2Si5020+6Aq,  which  B.  B.  swell  up  ex- 
ceedingly. The  first  exfoliates  in  wormlike  masses,  the  second 
swells  up  prodigiously. 

Mosandrite,  &yi*^&,Si^4H,&,$»,  and 

Catapleiite  (Katapltit),  (Naa,Ca)(Si,Zr)4O9  +  2Aq.  Have 
a  hardness  of  4-4.5,  and  exhibit  cleavage.  The  former  fuses 
at  first  with  frothing,  and  then  quietly  at  2.5-3  to  a  yellowish- 
brown  glass.  The  second  quietly  at  3  to  a  white  porcelain- 
like  bead.  The  diluted  HC1  solution  of  catapleiite  colors  yellow 
turmeric  paper  orange,  and  furnishes  a  precipitate  of  zirconia 
(£r)  when  boiled  down  with  sulphate  of  potassium.  The  boiling 
down  must  be  carried  on  nearly  to  dryness,  and  the  mass  again 
treated  (dissolved)  with  water.  Mosandrite  shows  no  such 
deportment.*  They  contain  9  per  cent,  of  water. 

Brewstrite,  (Sr,Ba)A-lSi60,6-f-5Aq.  B.  B.  fuses  at  3  with 
frothing  and  swelling.  May  easily  be  distinguished  from 
similar  minerals  by  its  solution  in  muriatic  acid,  giving  with 
sulphuric  acid  a  heavy  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  barium  which 
is  insoluble  in  acids.  Contains  13  per  cent,  of  water. 

Stilbite,  (Ca,Na2)A-lSi6016-f  6Aq. 

Hipostilbite  (desmine),  (Ca,Na,)2Al2Si9026  + 12  Aq. 

Chabazite  (clmbasite),  (HK2Ca)A-lSi5013  +  6 Aq. 

Prehnite,  H2CaA-lSi3012.  B.  B.  swell  up  more  or  less,  and 
fuse,  curling  up  to  an  enamel-like  mass.f  Prehnite  yields  but 
little  water  (4.3  per  cent.).  The  others  give  in  a  bolthead 
much  water,  losing  by  ignition  15  to  20  per  cent.  Clmbasite 

*  The  titanium  in  mosandrite  is  recognized  by  boiling  of  the 
muriatic  acid  solution  with  tin-foil;  it  may  contain  so  little  that  the 
liquid  thus  obtained  turns  merely  reddish. 

f  Von  Kobell  states  that,  although  operating  with  perfectly  normal 
crystals  of  stilbite  and  hypostilbite,  he  could  never  verify  a  dillVivnce 
in  the  point  of  fusion  between  the  two  minerals,  while  according  to 
Fischer  desmine  fuses  to  a  vesicular  glass. 


292  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

is  distinguished  by  its  rbombobedral  crystallization  and  imper- 
fect cleavage.  Stilbite  and  hypostilbite  are  perfectly  cleavable 
in  one  direction. 

Stilbite  crystallizes  in  the  monoclinic  (Dana),  hypostilbite 
in  the  trimetric  system.  A  similar,  small  hemispherical,  reni- 
form  or  cylindrical  fibrous  mineral  is 

Mordenite  (Ca,Na2)AlSi9022  -f-  G  Aq.  The  mineral  yields  12 
per  cent,  of  water.  B.  B.  fuses  without  intumescence. 

Sepiolite  (meerschaum,  sea-foam)  =  [MgSi-fiJ]  (Dana),  is 
distinguished  from  the  above  by  being  difficult  to  fuse,  and  by 
absorbing  moisture  with  avidity. 

Deweylite  (gymnite),  Mg4Si30]0 -f  5  Aq,  melts"  with  diffi- 
culty at  5  ;  is  amorphous,  of  a  waxy  lustre,  and  resembles 
somewhat  gum-arabic.  Absorbs  no  water.  Contains  20  per 
cent,  of  water. 

Sordavalite  (Sordawalit),  Si,£l,Fe,Mg,H2.  Amorphous,  fuses 
at  2.5  quietly  to  a  dense,  black,  shiny  glass.  With  difficulty 
decomposed  with  hydrochloric  acid.  The  solution  yields, 
with  caustic  ammonia,  a  heavy  greenish-gray  precipitate. 
Color,  grayish-black  ;  streak,  liver-brown.  Contains  4  per 
cent,  of  water. 

Section  ii. — B.  B.  in  a  matrass  yield  no  water,  or  only  a  trace. 

(Compare  pectolite,  chronicrite,  and  prehnite  of  the  preced- 
ing section.) 

Some  specimens  of  Lapis-Lazuli  (Lasurstein)  afford  no  com- 
plete jelly,  but  may  be  easily  recognized  by  their  sky-blue  color. 
B.  B.  with  soda  on  charcoal  yield  hepar  in  characteristic 
brownish-red  spots. 

Cryophyllite  (Kryophyllit),  (KjLO^FesCAl^e^Si^Og,,.  Mica- 
ceous ;  also,  scaly,  massive.  Color,  by  transmitted  light,  dull 
emerald-green  ;  transverse  to  the  axis,  brownish-red.  Fuses 
easily  in  the  candle  flame,  and  B.  B.  with  intumescence  to  a 
gray  enamel,  giving  a  red  lithia  flame. 

Tachylite,  £e,Mg,Oa.:iSTa2,&l,Si,S2.  Amorphous.  B.  B.  fuses 
at  2.5  easily  and  quietly  to  a  black,  shining  glass.  Muriatic 
acid  decomposes  the  mineral  with  separation  of  gelatinous 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  203 

silica.  The  solution  boiled  down  with  tin-foil  does  not  assume 
a  violet  color. 

Schorlomite,  Ca9Fe2(Si,Ti)12039,  and  Tschejfkinite  (Tscliero- 
kinite),  Ce,Fe,Ca,Ti,§i.  The  first  fuses  quietly,  the  second 
with  much  effervescence,  at  3-4,  to  a  black  glass  or  a  gray 
mass.  Schorlomite  is  decomposed  by  HC1  with  some  difficulty, 
leaving  the  silica  behind  as  a  slimy  powder.  The  HC1  solution 
of  both,  when  evaporated  with  addition  of  tin-foil,  assumes  a 
violet  color,  turning  to  a  rose-red  by  dilution  with  water 
(titanic  acid).  Tscheifkinite  is  easily  decomposed  by  cone. 
HC1,  the  silica  separating  in  gelatinous  lumps.  Both  are  black, 
with  a  vitreous  lustre  on  a  fresh  fracture.  Streak-powder,  gray. 

A  similar  behavior  to  schorlomite  is  exhibited  by  ivaarite, 
both  of  which  ought  perhaps  to  be  united. 

Wernerite  (scapolite*),  (Ca,Na2,K2)£l3i208. 

Porcellanite^  (porcelain-spar),  8i,&l,Ca,Na.2,  1,  fuse  B.  B. 
at  2.5  with  intumescence  and  emission  of  light,  forming  a  white 
blebby  glass  which  is  not  easily  rounded.  They  are  distinctly 
cleavable  in  two  right  angular  directions. 

To  wernerite  belong,  according  to  v.  Kobell,  nuttalite,  glaii- 
colite,  stroganowite. 

Wohlerite,  Oa,Na2  Zr,Cb,gi,  B.  B.  easily  fusible  at  3  to  a 
light-green,  much  blistered  glass.  HC1  dissolves  it  with  sepa- 
ration of  silicic  acid  in  flakes.  This  solution  boiled  down 
with  tin-foil  assumes  at  last  a  fine  blue  color;  after  a  slight 
dilution  with  water  a  blue  filtrate  is  obtained,  which  turns 
yellow  turmeric  paper  orange.  Color,  wine-yellow  to  honey, 
yellow. 

Eukolite  probably  belongs  here. 

Labradorite,  (Ca,Na2)AlSi301Q,  and 

Anorthite,  Ca£lSi2O8.  B.  B.  fuse  quietly  at  3^4  to  a  tolerably 
dense,  clear  glass.  Labradorite  is  cleavable  unequally  in  two 

*  See  Brush's  Manual  of  Det.  Min.,  3d  edit.,  p.  86;  also  E.  S. 
Dana's  Textbook  of  Min.,  p.  204. 

f  EkebergHe,  scapolite,  wernerite,  porcellanite  (v.  Kob.),  Syn. 
under  wernerite.  See  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  5th  edit.,  p.  324. 

25* 


294  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

directions  at  an  angle  of  86°  40' ;  on  the  perfect  faces  of  cleav- 
age slight  striae  are  visible  ;  on  the  less  perfect,  none.  Shows 
frequently  a  play  of  colors,  from  blue  to  green,  also  red  and 
yellow.  Anorthite  is  perfectly  cleavable  at  85°  48'. 

Labradorite  is  not  completely  decomposed  by  HC1. 

Grossularite,  or  lime-alumina-garnet.  The  general  formula  of 
garnet  is  R3AlSi30]2,  and  grossularite  is  usually  Ca3AlSi3Oi2.  Many 
varieties  are  in  a  great  measure  decomposed  by  concentrated 
muriatic  acid.  B.  B.  fuse  quietly  at  3,  and  are  readily  dis- 
tinguished from  the  above  by  want  of  cleavage.  Many  varie- 
ties of  sphene  are  also  decomposed  by  concentrated  acid  with 
separation  of  silicic  acid.  The  solution  boiled  with  metallic 
tin  assumes  a  violet  color. 

See  danburite,  which  colors  the  blowpipe  flame  beautifully 
green.  Compare  tephroite,  which  imparts  to  a  borax  bead  an 
amethystine  color  (manganese  oxide). 

Division  5 — Are  only  slightly  attacked  by  hydrochloric  acid, 
and  B.  B.  impart  to  borax  ylass  the  deep  amethystine 
color  of  manganese. 

They  yield,  when  boiled  down  with  phosphoric  acid  to  a 
syrupy  consistency,  a  mass  which,  with  piemontite,  assumes 
directly  a  violet  color ;  with  the  others,  only  after  stirring  with 
a  glass  rod  previously  dipped  into  nitric  acid. 

Carpholite  (Karpholit),  H4Mn  (Al,Fe,Mn)  Si.20,0  and  Arden- 
nite* Analysis,  Si02  =  29.  GO,  A103  =  23.50,  MnO  =  25.88,  Fe03  = 
1.86,  CaO  =  1.6S,  MgO  =  3.38,  V205==9.20,  ign.  4.04  =  99.09. 

In  the  closed  tube  yield  water,  the  first  contains  11  p.  c.  the 
second  5  p.  c.  of  water.  Carpholite  fuses  at  2.5-3  ;  ardennite, 
at  2.  Carpholite  is  fibrous  ;  color,  straw-yellow.  Ardennite, 
radiated.  Locality,  Ottrez,  in  the  Ardennes,  Belgium.  Analy- 
ses by  Lasaulx  and  Bettendorf.  Color,  brownish-yellow. 

Spessartite  (Spessartin),  manganese  garnet,  (Mn,Fe)3AlSi3012. 

*  E.  S.  Dana's  Textbook  of  Alin.,  page  288. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  295 

B.  B.  fuses  quietly  at  3.  Cleavage  indistinct,  sometimes  do- 
decahedral.  Color,  brownish-red. 

Piedmontite  (Piemontit),  manganese  epidote,  H2Ca4(Mn,Fe, 
Al)3Si6026.  B.  B.  fuses  with  intumescence  at  2-2.5.  In  one 
direction  the  cleavage  is  distinct ;  less  so  in  another.  Color, 
cherry-red,  reddish  black. 

Rhodonite  (Rother  Mangankiesel),  MnSi03,  fuses  quietly  at 
3  ;  distinctly  cleavable  at  92°  55'.  Color,  rose-red,  peach- 
blossom  red. 

Richterite*  (Manganamphibol),  which  resembles  it,  cleaves 
at  124°. 

Division   6 — Not   included  in  the  preceding    divisions.      The 
remaining  minerals  are  all  silicates,  except  sclteeltte,  which 
"are  not  attacked,  or  are  imperfectly  decomposed  by  hydro- 
chloric  acid. 

(Compare  pyrophyllite,  B.  B.  swelling  up  and  becoming  par- 
tially rounded.) 

DANBURITE,!  CaB2Si2O8.  B.  B  easily  fuses  at  3  to  a  bead 
which  is  clear  while  hot ;  opaque  when  cold.  It  tinges  the 
flame  green.  Boiled  with  sulphuric  acid  to  dryness  the  residue 
imparts  to  burning  alcohol  a  green  color. 

Very  closely  related  is 

Howlite,  Ca4B5Si.2023  -f  5Aq. 

SciiEELiTE(tungstate  of  calcium),  CaWO^.  B.  B.  fuses  with 
difficulty  at  5.  The  powder  dissolves  in  HC1,  leaving  a 
greenish-yellow  or  lemon-yellow  residue  of  tungstic  acid, 
soluble  in  caustic  ammonia.  If  this  residue,  while  yet  moist, 

*  Brush  and  E.  S.  Dana  call  this  mineral  pyroxene,  including  many 
varieties,  from  the  colorless  diopside  and  u-hite  malacolite  to  black  augite  ; 
light-colored  varieties  fuse  to  a  white  glass,  while  the  dark  ones  give 
a  black  glass. 

f  I  was  the  first  who  discovered  the  presence  of  boracic  acid  in 
danburite,  at  that  time  a  very  rare  mineral,  but,  owing  to  impurities, 
gangue,  etc.,  my  analysis  proved  not  entirely  correct.  To  Prof. 
Brush  chiefly,  belongs  the  honor  of  setting  matters  right,  and  estah- 
lishing  the  above  formula. — H.  K. 


296  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

be  rubbed  with  a  knife  blade  on  paper,  it  at  once  changes  to  a 
green  or  bluish-green  color.  It'  the  solution  is  boiled  down 
with  phosphoric  acid  until  volatilization  begins,  the  cold  mass 
becomes  blue  ;  dissolved  in  water,  the  color  disappears,  but 
reappears  permanently  upon  the  addition  of  iron  powder. 

Lepidolite  (lithia  mica,  Lithionglimmer,  Germ.),  (K,Li)6, 
Al4Si12042,  and 

Cookeite,  K^i^^SiJL}.  Are  micaceous.  Cleavage  in  one 
direction  very  perfect.  Give  to  the  blowpipe  flame  the  purple- 
red  color  of  lithia.  Lepidolite  fuses  at  2.  Gives  in  the 
closed  tube  little  or  no  water.  B.  B.  cookeite  exfoliates,  ver- 
micular, and  gives  much  water. 

Therm ophyllite*  (serpentine),  Mg3Si2O7  -j-  2  Aq. 

Euphyllite  (&l,K2,]Sra2,gi,:&2),  and 

Margarite,  emerylite,  H2Ca&l2Si2Q12.  Are,  like  the  preced- 
ing, micaceous. 

Thermophyllite.  B.  B.  swells  up  and  gives  much  water  in 
the  closed  tube  (11  p.  c.).  The  others  fuse  without,  swelling 
at  4—4.5,  and  give  little  water.  Their  laminne  are  not  elastic. 
Euphyllite  is  easily  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid.  Margarite 
with  difficulty.  Compare 

Muscovite,  K2AlSi208,  and 

Biotite,  K2(Fe,Mg)7Al,Si7028. 

Gumbelite,  &l,K2,Si,IT2.  Occurs  in  thin,  short,  fibrous 
layers.  B.  B.  swells  up  to  a  fan-like  mass,  fuses  in  thin  fibres,.- 
and  yields  water  in  the  closed  tube  (7  p.  c.).  Color,  green- 
white.  Not  attacked  by  HC1  and  H2SO4. 

Petalite  (Li6Al)Si6015,  and 

Spodumene(Triphane)  (Li6Al)Si309.  Do  not  exhibit  the  ready 
and  perfect  cleavage  of  the  preceding,  and  their  hardness  is 
6.5  ;  give  to  the  blowpipe  flame  the  purple-red  color  of  lithia, 
especially  so  when  the  assay  held  in  the  forceps  is  fused  together 
with  some  bisulphate  of  potassium.  This  reaction  is  rendered 
more  perceptible  by  taking  in  the  forceps  a  piece  of  the  mineral 

*  Identical  with  serpentine,  see  Brush's  Determ,  Min.,  p.  87. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  297 

and  fusing  on  it  bisulphate  of  potassium,  which  is  repeated 
several  times ;  during  the  blowing  the  bead  is  gently  moved 
through  the  flame.  It  then  shows  occasionally  purple-red 
streaks.  Petalite  fuses  quietly  to  a  white  enamel. 

Spodumene  intumesces,  throwing  out  fine  branches,  which 
fuse  to  a  clear  transparent  glass.  Specific  gravity  of  petalite 
=  2.45,  that  of  spodumene  =  3.2.  To  petalite  belongs  the 
variety  called 

Castor  (Kastor),  which  distinctly  colors  the  blowpipe  flame 
red. 

Leucophanite  (Leucophan),  4NaF  -f-  3(Ca,Be)4Si3O10,  fuses 
quietly  at  below  3  to  a  transparent  colorless  glass ;  with  salt  of 
phosphorus  in  the  open  tube  gives  the  fluorine  reaction.  Phos- 
phoresces when  heated,  or  when  struck  with  a  hammer,  emit- 
ting a  reddish-violet  light.  Cleavage  in  one  direction  excel- 
lent. H."=  3.5-4. 

Wilsonite,*  Xl,K2,Mg,Si,S2.  Fusible  at  2  with  intumescence 
to  a  whitish  glass  ;  yields  in  a  matrass  some  water.  Hardens 
3.  Distinctly  cleavable  at  right  angles. 

Nohlite,  $b,J?r,Y,IT2'  Amorphous ;  color,  blackish-brown  ; 
lustre,  vitreous.  B.  B.  fuses  with  difficulty,  and  yields  in  the 
closed  tube  4^  per  cent,  of  water.  In  its  chemical  deportment 
it  is  near  samarskite. 

Compare  sordavvalite,  Div.  4,  a. 

DIALLAGE'J'     (pyroxene).       Malacolite     or    white    augite, 

*  According  to  Brush,  it  is  only  altered  scapolite.  See  Determina- 
tive Min.,  page  88. 

f  Professors  Dana  and  Brush  consider  this  mineral  a  thin,  foliated 
lime-magnesia-pyroxene,  t.  e.,  a  variety  of  pyroxene  or  augite,  the 
general  formula  of  which  is  RSi03,  where  R  may  be  Ca,Mg,Fe,Mn, 
and  sometimes  also  Zn,K2Na.2.  Usually  two  or  more  of  these  bases 
are  present.  The  first  three  are  most  common  ;  but  calcium  is  the 
only  one  that  is  present  always  and  in  large  percentage.  Besides 
the  substitution  of  the  above  bases  for  one  another,  these  same  bases 
are  at  times  replaced  by  Al,#e,Mn,  though  sparingly,  and  the  silicon 
occasionally  by  aluminum.  Consult  James  D.  Dana's  Manual  of 
Mineralogy  and  Lithology,  3d  edition,  page  245.  New  York,  1881. 


298  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

CaMgSi2O6.  Fusibility,  3.5  ;  is  distinguished  by  its  pearly, 
subrnetallic  lustre,  and  distinct  cleavage  in  one  direction. 
•  Harmotome  (Baryt-harmotome),  BaAlSi5Ou+  5  Aq.  Distin- 
guished from  the  preceding  and  following  by  yielding  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  water  in  a  matrass ;  and  the  partial 
solution  in  muriatic  acid  is  rendered  turbid  or  gives  a  precipi- 
tate with  sulphuric  acid  of  sulphate  of  barium.  It  occurs  like 
lime-harmotome  in  twin  crystals. 

Axinite,  (Ca,Fe,K2)7(Al,Fe,B)3Si8032,  and 

Tourmaline,  Al,B,Fe,Mn,Mg,KiJ,lSra2,Li2,Si,Ti,  with  a  mixture 
of  fluor-spar  and  bisulphate  of  potassium,  impart  to  the  blow- 
pipe flame  a  transient  green  color.*  Axinite  fuses  readily  and 
with  strong  intumescence  to  a  shining  dark-green  glass.  When 
finely  pulverized  and  fused,  axinite  gelatinizes  in  muriatic  acid. 
Different  species  of  tourmaline  show  different  deportments  ; 
some  fuse  easily  and  with  intumescence,  some  curl  up  to  a 
white  greenish-gray,  rarely  black  glass  ;  others  fuse  with  diffi- 
culty (and  a  few  lithia  tourmalines  are  infusible).  Most  tour- 
malines become  strongly  electric  when  heated  ;  axinite  does  not. 

J)iops!de-\  (Pyroxene,  Dana),   Ca,Mg,Si2O6,  and 

*  By  taking  the  mixture  on  a  hot  platinum  wire  and  covering  the 
surface  of  the  flux  with  the  mineral  in  fine  powder  form,  and  heating 
it,  without  blowing,  in  the  blue  point  of  a  good  flame,  the  color  is 
perceptible  at  the  first  moment  of  fusion.  When  axinite  and  tour- 
maline are  reduced  to  fine  powder  and  fused,  then  treated  with 
sulphuric  acid  and  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  then 
alcohol  added  to  it,  the  latter  will,  when  lighted,  burn  with  a  green 
flame.  If  about  1  gram,  each  of  finely-powdered  axinite  or  tourma- 
line are  ground  together  with  3  grams,  of  bisulphate  of  potassium,  and 
the  mixture  fused  in  a  small  platinum  dish  at  a  red  heat,  and  next  a 
small  quantity  of  alcohol  is  added,  this  latter,  when  lighted,  will 
burn  with  a  distinct  green  flame,  especially  towards  the  end.  The 
platinum  dish  can  be  cleaned  again  with  boiling  dilute  HC1. 

f  Diopside  is,  according  to  Dana,  a  pyroxene  of  the  same  composition 
as  the  previously  described  lime-magnesia-pyroxene  or  malacolite, 
occurs  in  greenish-white  or  grayish-green  crystals.  See  Dana's 
Manual  of  Min.,  3d  edition,  1881,  page  246. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  299 

Augite.*  An  analysis  from  Montreal  by  Hunt  gave  Si02  49.40, 
A103  6.70,  *?e03  7.83,  MgO  13.66,  CaO  21.88,  Na20  0.74,  H20  0.50  = 
100.11.  Their  hardness  is  6 ;  fuse  at  3.5-4,  some  quietly, 
some  with  slight  effervescence.  Diopside  forming  a  white, 
augite  a  black  glass.  Both  are  distinctly  cleavable  at  93  and 
87°.  Diopside  is  colorless,  or  light  green  and  gray;  augite, 
black  or  dark-green. 

Tremolite  (grammatite),  (Ca,Mg)SiO3,  and 

Arnphibok  (Strahlstein,  hornblende),  RSiO3,  as  for  pyrox- 
ene. Hardness,  5.5.  B.  B.  they  swell  up,  and  at  3-4  fuse  with 
effervescence ;  tremolite  to  a  white  or  slightly  colored  ;  am- 
phibole  to  a  black  or  grayish  glass.  Both  are  distinctly  cleav- 
able at  124^°  and  5j^°.  Color  of  the  first  is  white,  inclining 

*  Hedenbergite  is,  according  to  von  Kobell,  an  iron-lime  augite, 
containing  but  little  magnesia.  Polylite,  hudsonite,  and  jeffersonite 
come  in  here.  By  the  mutual  action  of  acids  or  negative  oxides, 
three  classes  of  salts  are  produced,  viz.,  normal,  acid,  and  basic.  Nor- 
mal salts  are  those  in  which  the  acid  and  base  .saturate  each  other, 
in  which,  therefore,  all  the  hydroxyles,  whether  of  acid  or  base,  are 
eliminated  (in  the  form  of  Aq.),  and  the  acid  radical  remains  united 
to  metal  by  means  of  oxygen,  c.  </.,  potassium  nitrate  and  potassium 
and  zinc  sulphates  (see  above).  A  cut  salts  are  those  which  retain  a 
part  of  the  acid  hydroxyle,  e.  y.,  hydrogen  potassium  sulphate.  Basic 
salts  are  those  in  which  a  part  of  the  hydroxyl  of  the  base,  or  of  the 
oxygen  of  the  positive  oxide,  remains  in  the  combination,  e.  g.,  basic 
zinc  sulphate  (see  above).  The  sulphur  acids  may  be  regarded  as 
compounds  of  negative  radicals  with  hydrosulpburyl  (SII)  ;  e.  </., 
sulphocarbonic  acid  CS(SH)2,  and  hydrosulphuric  acid  (hydrogen 
sulphide)  H(SH).  Sulphur  bases  are  K(SH).Ca(SH)2,  etc.  Sulphur 
salts  result  from  the  reaction  of  sulphur  acids  upon  sulphur  bases. 
Most  sulphur  salts,  however,  are  produced  by  the  action  of  negative 
anhydrosulphides  on  sulphur  bases,  or  on  positive  anhydrosulphides, 
e.g., 

As2S5     -f     6(KSH)     =     2[AsS(SK)3]     +     3H2S. 

Arsenic,        potassium,  potassium,  hydrogen. 

sulphide,      hydrosulphide,         sulphursenate,  sulphide. 

(Manual  of  Qualitative  Chemical  Analysis  ;  Fresenius's  New  Sys- 
tem. New  York,  Wiley  &  Sons,  publishers,  1883.) 


300  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

to  green,  gray,  etc.;  of  the  second,  green  inclining  to  black. 
To  these  belong  asbestos  (Ca,Mg,Fe)SiO3,  and 

Amianthus,*  a  name  applied  to  the  finer  and  more  silky 
kinds  of  asbestos. 

Richterite\  is  a  tremolite  containing  manganese.  Boiled 
down  with  concentrated  phosphoric  acid  yields  upon  addition 
of  some  HNO3  a  beautiful  violet  mass.  Chemically  related 
with  tremolite  is  also 

Nephrite.  Compact,  fine-grained  tremolite,  having  a  tinge 
of  green  or  blue,  and  breaking  with  a  splintery  fracture.  H.=6. 
Feels  greasy  to  the  touch. 

Titanite  (sphene)  CaTiSiO5.  B.  B.  fuses  with  slight  intu- 
mescence to  a  blackish  glass.  Partially  decomposed  by  cone, 
hydrochloric  acid.  The  solution,  when  boiled  with  tin,  becomes 
violet  (titanic  acid),  the  violet  color  turning  into  a  rose-red 
upon  dilution  with  water.  We  obtain  the  HC1  solution  more 
readily  when  the  mineral  powder  is  boiled  previously  with 
H2SO4,  and  the  latter  completely  evaporated,  and  the  residue 
treated  with  cone.  HC1.  System  of  crystallization,  clinorhom- 
bic.  (Monoclinic.  Dana.) 

Guarinite  is  of  the  same  composition,  but  crystallizes  in  the 
rhombic  system.  (Oythorombic.  D.) 

YTTROTITANITE  (keilhauite),  Ca,Y,3Pe,Xl,Si,Ti.  Fuses  im- 
perfectly at  its  edges,  with  lively  frothing,  to  a  blackish  mass. 
Muriatic  acid  attacks  it  but  little.  If  the  mineral  is  fused 
with  caustic  potash  and  the  mass  treated  with  muriatic  acid, 
so  as  to  separate  the  silicic  acid,  the  remaining  solution,  when 
boiled  with  tinfoil,  gives  the  same  reactions  as  sphene. 

*  Mountain  leather,  mountain  cork,  and  mountain  wood  are  similar 
varieties. 

f  Richertite,  tremolite,  and  nephrite  -are  varieties  of  Dana's 
pyroxene,  one  of  the  most  common  minerals.  It  occurs  in  almost  all 
basic  eruptive  rocks,  like  dolerite,  as  an  essential  constituent,  and 
is  frequently  met  with  in  rocks  of  other  kinds.  Common  also  in 
granular  limestone.  In  basalt  the  crystals  are  generally  small  and 
black,  or  greenish-black. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  .     301 

ORTHOCLASE  (common  feldspar,  potash-feldspar),  K2AlSi6016, 
and 

ALBITE  (soda-feldspar),  Na2AlSi6016.  Hardness,  6.  They 
fuse  quietly;  the  former  at  5,  the  latter  at  4.  Are  not  attacked 
by  acids.  Cleavage  of  orthoclase  is  distinct  in  two  directions 
at  right  angles  (90°).  Albite  in  two  directions  at  an  angle 
of  931°. 

Closely  related  to  Albite  stands 

OLIGOCLASE.  Soda-lime  feldspar  (Ca,Na.2,K2)AlSi5Ou.  Fuses 
at  3.5.  Shows  striations  on  one  cleavage  surface,  like 

Labradorite  (Labrador  feldspar),  (Ca,Na2)AlSi3010.  The 
latter  is,  however,  mostly  decomposed"  by  HC1,  which  is  not 
the  case  with  oligoclase.  The  lime  in  oligoclase  is  easily 
traced,  thus  :  The  finely  powdered  mineral  is  mixed  with  fluor- 
ide of  ammonium  and  the  mixture  fused  in  a  platinum  dish. 
The  residue  is  boiled  with  IIC1,  and  the  ensuing  solution  neu- 
tralized to  excess  witli  ammonia  and  filtered.  In  the  filtrate 
oxalate  of  ammonium  produces  a  white  precipitate  of  oxalute  of 
calcium. 

Similar  to  orthoclase  is 

Hyalophane,  (Ba,Ka)AlSi4O12.  This  mineral,  when  fused 
with  soda,  hydrochloric  acid  added,  and  the  silica  separated 
from  the  HC1  solution,  gives  with  H2SO4  a  precipitate  of  white 
sulphate  of  barium. 

ZOISITE,  H2Ca4(AlFe)3Si6026,  and 

PISTACITE  (epidote)  of  the  same  composition.  H.  =  6.5. 
B.  B.  fuse  at  3-3.5,  with  swelling  and  intumescence  to  a  slaggy 
mass  which  with  zoisite  is  white  or  yellowish,  with  pistacite, 
black  or  dark  brown.  After  fusion,  they  gelatinize  with  HC1. 
The  color  of  zoisite  is  gray,  yellowish-gray,  grayish-white ; 
that  of  pistacite,  green  (pistachio-green).  Zoisite  cleaves 
finely  and  very  distinctly  in  one  direction  ;  pistacite,  pretty 
distinctly  in  two  directions  at  115°. 

Grossularite  (Grossular,  lime-alumina- garnet),  Ca3AlSi3012. 
Vesuvianite  (  Vesuvian.  idocrase),  Ca8(Al.Foj.2Si70E8. 

Pyrope  (Magnesia-alumina-garnet),  (Mg,Ca,Fe,Mn)3Al 
20 


302  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Si3Oj,.  Hardness,  f>.5-7.5.  The  first  and  second  fuse  at  '3 ; 
the  first  quietly,  the  second  with  intumescence;  both  gelatiniz- 
ing with  HC1  after  fusion.  The  third  melts  quietly  at  3,  f>-4. 
Vesuvian  is  cleavable  in  the  planes  of  a  quadrangular  prism. 
Grossular  and  pyrope  are  not  cleavable.  Grossular  is  strongly 
attacked  by  concentrated  muriatic  acid  ;  its  color  is  green, 
yellowish -brown,  hyacinth-red,  and  also  white.  Pyrope  is  not 
attacked  by  acids,  and  occurs  only  of  a  blood-red  color.  B.  B. 
with  borax  yields  a  chrome-green  glass. 

MONZONITE,  XljFejCajNa^Si,  resembles  grossolurite,  but  does 
not  gelatinize  after  fusion,  and  is  not  decomposed  either  by 
II  Cl  or  II28O4. 

EDELFORSITE*  (AEDELFORSITE)  (or  red  zeolite  of  Adel- 
fors),  CaSi  -f  Xl5i3  (v.  Kob.) 

SpiiENOCLASEt  (Spherioklas,  v.  Kob.),  Ca,Mg,Fe,£lSi,  have 
nearly  the  hardness  of  6  ;  are  not  much  attacked  by  acids.  The 
first  fuses  at  4,  with  frothing,  and,  when  heated,  phosphoresces 
strongly  with  a  greenish  light.  The  second  fuses  at  3  quietly ; 
phosphoresces  feebly  with  a  yellow  light. 

Compare  the  following  division,  C.,  emerald  (beryl),  eu- 
clase,  cordierite  (iolite),  also  biotite  (uniaxial  mica),  and 
muscovite  (biaxial  mica). 

Obsidian,  or  volcanic  glass. 

Pitch*™,  Pechstein,  a.Jh.faAJra.SL 

Pearlstone,  Perlstein, 

Pumice,  Bimsstein. 

These  fuse  with  swelling  at  3.5  to  4,  to  a  blebby  white  glass 
or  a  porcelain-like  mass.  They  are  amorphous.  Obsidian  is 
characterized  by  its  glassy  lustre,  conchoidal  and  sharp-edged 
fracture.  Pitchstone  by  its  greasy  lustre.  Pearlstone  by  its 
mother-of-pearl  lustre,  and  pumice  by  its  porous,  scoria-like 
form.  They  are  volcanic  products.  Many  pitch 8 tones  afford 
water  in  the  closed  tube. 

*  Dana  (Man.  of  Min.,  p.  245)  considers  this  impure  Wollastonite 
(CaSi03). 

f  Dana's  Syst.  of  Min.,  p.  280. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  803 

Class  ii r. — Infusible,  or  fusibility  above  5, 

Division  1 — Some  assume  a  fine  blue  color  when,  after  previous 
ignition  B.  B.,  they  are  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and 
again  heated,  (alumina.) 

(Some  minerals  should  be  first  calcined  and  pulverized.) 
The  hardest  anhydrous  minerals  belonging  to  this  class  show 
this  color  most  distinctly  after  they  are  finely  pulverized  and 
then  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  ignited;  the  color 
appears  as  the  mass  cools,  and  is  distinctly  seen  only  by  day- 
light. 

Section  i. — B.  B.  yield  much  tvater  in  a  matrass. 

RALSTONITE,  Xl,Mg,lS'a2.F,l3r2,  fused  in  a  closed  tube  with 
bisulphate  of  potassium,  gives  the  fluorine  reaction.  The  water 
yielded  in  the  closed  tube  reacts  for  fluorine. 

ALUNITE  (alum-stone),  K2A13S4022  -f  6  Aq. 

ALUMINITE  (sulphate  of  aluminium),  A1S06  -f-  9Aq.  "With 
soda  on  coal  give  hepar,  which  is  not  the  case  with  the  others. 
Aluminite  is  easily  soluble  in  muriatic  acid  ;  alunite  is  not 
perceptibly  attacked,  but  when  it  has  been  ignited,  water 
extjxtcts  alum,  which  may  be  obtained  in  octohedral  crystals 
by  the  slow  evaporation  of  the  aqueous  solution.  The  alunite 
loses  13  per  cent,  of  water  by  ignition,  the  aluminite  47  per 
cent.  A  similar  mineral,  felsobanyte,  A12S06  +  10  Aq,  loses  37 
per  cent,  of  water.  A  similar  behavior  to'aluminite  is  shown  by 

PISSOPHANITE  (pissophane,  garnsdorffite),  Xl,Fe,3,H2.  It 
occurs  at  Garnsdorf,  near  Saalfeld,  and  at  Reichenbach,  Sax- 
ony, on  alum  slate.  B.  B.  it  becomes  black,  and  colors  the 
flame  slightly  greenish.  The  aluminite  is  white  or  opaque. 
Pissophane  is  pistachio-asparagus,  or  olive-green,  and  trans- 
parent. 

Compare  potash-alum,  ammonia-alum,  and  KeramoJtaUte 
(alunogen),  which  are  soluble  in  water,  which  is  not  the  case 
with  the  preceding  minerals. 


304  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

PLUMBOGUMMITE  (plumbo-resinite,  Bleigummi), 
decrepitates  and  affords  water  in  a  matrass,  carefully  heated. 
B.  B.  it  swells  up,  and  at  a  strong  heat  softens  without  liquefy- 
ing. With  soda  on  coal  yields  metallic  lead.  Is  soluble  in 
nitric  acid.  The  solution  yields  with  molybdate  of  ammonium, 
at  a  gentle  heat,  a  yellow  precipitate  (P.^OJ. 

CALAMINE  (electric-calamine,  Kieselgalmei),  Zn2Si04,  forms 
with  muriatic  acid  a  perfect  jelly.  B.  B.  on  coal  with  soda 
it  yields,  after  long  blowing,  a  yellowish-white  coating,  which, 
treated  with  cobalt  solution  and  heated,  becomes  green 
in  specks.  After  the  separation  of  silica,  the  muriatic  acid 
solution  is  precipitated  white  by  ammonia,  and  the  oxide  of 
zinc  thus  formed  redissolved  by  an  excess  of  ammonia. 

WAVELLITE  (subphosphate  of  aluminium),  A13P40]9 -{-  12Aq. 

Evansite,  A13P20U+ 18Aq. 

Peganite,  AlaP2On  -f-  6Aq. 

Fi seller ite,  Al2P2On+8Aq. 

JJerlimte,  2A]P2O8  +  Aq. 

Richmondite,  P\Xl,ET2,  and 

Zepharovichite,  AlP208-f-  6Aq.  Are  principally  soluble  in 
caustic  potassa.  When  this  solution  is  mixed  with  HNO3  in 
excess,  some  molybdate  of  ammonium  added,  and  heat  applied, 
a  yellow  precipitate  is  obtained  (PaOt). 

Berlinite  loses  by  ignition  only  4  per  cent,  of  water  ;  pegan- 
ite  24  per  cent. ;  wavellite  and 

Zepharovichite  27  per  cent.;  fischerite  29  per  cent. 

Richmondite  35  per  cent. ;  evansite  40  per  cent. 

Similar  compounds  are  : — 

Trolleite,  A14P6027  +  3Aq.,  with  6  per  cent,  of  water. 

Spaeri-te,  A15P4023+  16Aq. 

Redondite,  ll,Fe,^2. 

The  last  two  contain  23  per  cent,  of  water  each. 

Tavistockite,  CasAlP2On-|-  3Aq. 

Amphithalite,  *l,Ca,^2,fla. 

The  last  two  contain  12  per  cent,  of  water  each. 

Coeruleolactite,  A13P4019-|- IGAq,  with  21  percent,  of  water. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTKE.  305 

Gibbsite  (Hydrargillite),  H6A106. 

Diaspore,  H2A104. 

Xanthophyllite  (Seybertite),  il,ffe,£gr,&,Si,l£. 

Phokrite  (Nacrite),*  Al2Si3012  -f- 4Aq. 

Gibbsite  is  tolerably  easily  dissolved  by  caustic  potash,  loses 
by  ignition  34J  per  cent,  of  water.  The  others  are  not  soluble 
in  caustic  potash.  They  cleave  distinctly  in  one  direction. 
Xanthophyllite  is  wax-yellow,  loses  by  ignition  only  4J  per 
cent,  of  water.  Diaspore  and  pholerite  nearly  \p  per  cent, 
of  water.  Distinguished  by  their  hardness,  as  nearly  6  for 
diaspora  to  only  1  for  pholerite.  This  latter  (v.  Kobell's  na- 
crite) occurs  in  scales  with  a  pearly  lustre. 

Allophane,   AlSi05  -f  5Aq. 

Halloysite,  AlSi207+4Aq. 

Samoite,  Al*Si2010  -f-  lOAq.  and 

Collyrite  (Kollyrit),t  Al2Si06  -f  9Aq,  are  decomposed  by  HC1 
with  separation  of  gelatinous  silica.  H.  of  allophane  3  ;  it 
gelatinizes  perfectly  and  colors  the  blowpipe-flame  usually 
green  from  an  accidental  admixture  of  copper,  and  loses  by 
ignition  42  per  cent,  of  water  ;  is  amorphous.  H.  of  samoite 
is  4,  has  a  lamellar  structure,  and  loses  30  per  cent,  of  water. 
The  remainder  have  a  hardness  of  1-2.  Halloysite  contains 
16,  collyrite  33J  per  cent,  of  water. 

Oimolite,  Al2Si9024+  6Aq.,  and 

Kaolinite  (kaolin,  porcelain  earth),  AlSi()5  -|-  2Aq.  (v.  Kob.) 
are  with  difficulty  affected  by  HC1.  Usually  amorphous. 

Porcelain  earth  feels  smooth,  not  greasy,  but  rather  pulve- 
rulent ;  is  decomposed  by  H2SO4. 

Cimolite  is  tough,  and  gives  by  scraping,  shavings.     Is  im- 

*  Brush  considers  nacrite  identical  with  kaolinite,  &lSi2O7-4-2Aq, 
whilst  pholerite  is  looked  upon  as  a  separate  species  with  the  above 
formula.  See  Brush's  Determ.  Min..  p.  89. 

f  Von  Kobell's  "  Kollyrit,"  analyzed  by  Klaproth,  has  the  same 
formula  with  lOAq.  Restates  in  a  note  that  he  refers  to  a  species  found 
in  the  "  Stephani  mine,"  at  Chemnitz,  which  gelatinizes  with  acids, 
while  other  kinds,  like  that  from  Weissenfels,  do  not  gelatinize. 

26* 


300  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

perfectly  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid.  These  minerals  lose 
by  ignition  12  to  16  per  cent,  of  water.  Many "  aluminous 
earths,  argillites,  or  clays,  which  are  not  sufficiently  known, 
but  form  with  water  a  doughy  mass,  and  develop  the  odor  of 
clay,  might  be  appended  here  ;  also  lithomarge  (Steinmark), 
with  14  per  cent,  of  water;  also  schiotterite  (opal  allophane), 
with  35  per  cent,  of  water  ;  miloschite  and  bolus,  with  24  to  26 
per  cent,  of  water.  These  form  with  water  no  dough  ;  the 
latter  Udft  on  the  contrary,  fall  to  pieces  with  crackling. 

(Co»4>are  from  the  following  division,  lazulite,  svanbergite, 
pyroJ)Si\lite,  agalmatolite,  disterite,  wbrthite,  myeline,  which 
in  a  matfUss  likewise  yield  water,  but  only  a  small  quantity. 
Compare  also  ripidolite.) 

Section  ii. — B.  B.  in  the  closed  tube  yield  little,  or  no  water. 

Alumian,  A1S207.     B.  B.  yields  with  soda  on  charcoal  hepar. 

Lazulite,  (Mg,Fe)&lP2O9+H,0.  B.  B.  tinges  the  flame  with 
a  feeble  greenish  color,*  swells  up,  and  crumbles  to  small 
pieces,  thereby  losing  its  blue  color,  and  becoming  white. 
By  acids  it  is  not  directly  attacked,  and  its  blue  color  under- 
goes no  change.  Caustic  potash  produces  a  partial  solution, 
which,  treated  with  HNO3  in  excess,  yields,  when  boiled  witli 
molybdate  of  ammonium,  a  yellow  precipitate  (P2O5). 

Svanbergite,  &l,Ca,]?}"a2,^2,§,  ET2.  B.  B.  with  soda  on  coal 
gives  a  sulphur  reaction.  The  partial  nitric  acid  solution  gives 
a  reaction  for  phosphoric  acid  with  molybdate  of  ammonium. 
Col0r,  yellow  or  yellowish-brown, 

WILLEMITE  (Hebetine,  anhydrous  silicate  of  zinc),  Zn2SiO4. 
B.  B.  assumes  with  cobalt  a  blue,  and  in  places  a  green  color. 
Gelatinizes  in  muriatic  acid.  The  solution  yields  with  ammo- 
nia, after  separation  of  silicon,  a  precipitate  (ZnO)  soluble  in  an 
excess.  From  the  ammoniacal  solution  sulphide  of  ammonium 
throws  down  white  sulphide  of  zinc. 

MYELINE  (Talksteinmark),  AlSi05. 

AGALMATOLITE  (figure  stone),  Al,l£2,S,I"Ir 

*  Rendered  distinct  if  previously  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid.. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  307 

PYKOPHYLLITE,  Al,Si309-f-  H20,  have  a  low  degree  of  hard- 
ness, 1-3.  "  Pyrophyllite  in  one  direction  is  perfectly  cleavable. 
B.  B.  it  spreads  out  into  fan-like  shapes,  and  increases  to 
twenty  times  its  former  bulk.  It  is  infusible,  but  partially 
crumbles  to  pieces  and  glows  with  a  white  light.  Loses  by 
ignition  5  per  cent,  of  water.  The  others  are  not  cleavable, 
and  B.  B.  unalterable.  Myelin  is  somewhat  decomposed  by 
acids.  Related  to  pyrophyllite  is — 

Westanrte,  3tl,Si,IT2,  which  has  a  brick-red  color. 

Muscovite  (bi-axial  mica,  potash  mica),  H2AlSi2Og, 
direction  is  perfectly  cleavable ;  the  thin  laminae  ape^nexible 
and  elastic.  B.  B.  does  not  expand  perceptibly,  and  with  diffi- 
culty fuses  in  very  thin  scales.  With  cobalt  solution  it  acquires 
partially  a  pure  blue  color ;  is  not  attacked  by  acids.  Hard- 
ness, 2.5. 

Disterrite*  (brandisite)  (variety  of  clintonite,  see  Dana), 
(MgG,Ca6,Al2,Fe2)Si020.  Orthorhombic.  Cleavable  in  one  direc- 
tion. Fresh  laminae  B.  B.  turn  grayish-white  and  turbid,  and 
thence  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  reheated,  assume  a 
blue  color.  Hardness,  4-5.  Concentrated  sulphuric  acid  de- 
composes it. 

ANDALUSITE  (chiastolite),  AlSi05,  and 

DISTHENE  (cyanite,  kyanite),  AlSi05,  are  only  slightly 
attacked  by  acids.  B.  B.  phosphorus  salt  decomposes  them, 
and  separates  a  siliceous  skeleton.  Aridalusite  cleaves  tole- 
rably well  in  two  directions  at  an  angle  of  91  J°  ;  its  hardness 
7.5.  The  crystals  called  chiastolite  have  undergone  decompo- 
sition, and  have  usually  a  hardness  of  5.5.  They  are  generally 
in  twins  consisting  of  four  individual  prismatic  crystals,  so 
grown  together  with  their  principal  axes  parallel,  that  a  cavity 
remains  between  them  which  contains  generally  clay  slate. 
Disthene  is  distinctly  cleavable  in  two  directions  at  100°, 
especially  distinct  in  one  direction.  Hardness,  6,  and  some- 

*  Brush  considers  it  identical  with  sr.ylnrlite  (Determ.  Min.,  p.  90.) 


308  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

times  less.  The  spec.  grav.  of  andalusite  is  3.2 ;  that  of 
disthene  3.6.  Closely  approaching  to  disthenite  is 

Sillimanite  (worthite,  monrolite,  tribolite),*  AlSi05.  Its 
spec,  grav.,  however,  is  less,  namely,  3. 

TOPAZ  (fiuosilicate  of  aluminium),  AlSi(0,F2)5. 

Rubellite^  (lithia  tourmaline),  (Li,Na,K)6Al6B2Si9045,  are  not 
attacked  by  acids.  B.  B.  not  perfectly  dissolved  by  phosphor- 
ous salt,  the  bead  becoming  opalescent  on  cooling.  Topaz 
retains  its  transparency,  and  does  not  swell  when  ignited. 
Heated  in  larger  pieces  the  yellow  varieties  turn  white,  assum- 
ing upon  cooling  a  rose-red  hue.  Rubellite  becomes  white, 
puffs  sometimes  to  a  slaggy  mass.  Topaz  is  in  one  direction 
distinctly  cleavable.  Hardness,  8.  Rubellite  is  not  cleavable. 
Hardness,  6.5.  The  last-named  mineral  becomes  electric  when 
heated,  which  happens  only  witH  a  few  varieties  of  topaz. 
The  spec.  grav.  of  topaz  is  3.5  ;  that  of  rubellfte,  3. 

CORUNDUM  (sapphire,  emery,  crystallized  alumina),  A103. 

CHRYSOBERYL,  Be,A104.  These  minerals  are  not  attacked 
by  ordinary  acids,  but  when  they  are  heated  with  phosphoric 
acid  until  volatilization  commences  the  fine  powder  of  corun- 
dum is  completely  dissolved,  less  so  that  of  chrysoberyl.  The 
solutions  yield  with  caustic  potash  a  precipitate  which  is 
redissolved  by  an  excess  (alumina).  B.  B.  in  fine  powder 
form  they  are  slowly  but  perfectly  dissolved  by  salt  of  phos- 
phorus, and  the  bead  is  not  opalescent  when  cold.  Hardness 
of  sapphire,  9  ;  its  specific  gravity,  4.  Hardness  of  chrysoberyl, 
8.5  ;  its  specific  gravity,  3.7. 

(Compare  spinel.) 

Many  varieties  of  spinel  and  leucite,  when  pulverized, 
moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  ignited,  become  blue.  Some 
kinds  of  cassiterite,  or  tin  stone,  in  powder  form  assume,  when 
moistened  with  cobalt  solution  upon  ignition,  a  bluish  or 

*  Dana  (Man.  of  Min.  and  Lithol.,  New  York,  1881,  p.  285)  calls 
the  mineral  "tribolite,"  syn.  with  sillimdnite  and  bucholzite. 

f  Rubellite  is  a  variety  of  tourmaline.  See  Brush,  Determ.  Min., 
etc.,  p.  90. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  309 

greenish   tint,  but  readily  yield  with  cyanide  of  potassium  on 
coal  globules  of  tin. 

The  blue  color,  which  quartz  in  a  fine  powder  form  acquires 
with  cobalt  solution,  differs  from  that  of  the  preceding  minerals 
by  inclining  to  red,  and  by  the  blue  being  less  intense. 

Division  2  __  Moistened  with  cobalt  solution,  and  ignited,  as- 
sume a  green  color  (zinc}. 

It  is  sufficient  to  heat  the  moistened  bead  to  a  red  heat. 

The  compounds  of  oxide  of  zinc  belonging  to  this  division 
give  to  the  coal  a  coating  which  is  yellow  while  hot,  but  becomes 
paler  on  cooling,  and  when  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and 
again  ignited  assumes  a  green  color. 

SMITHSONITE  (Zinkspath,  carbonate  of  zinc),  ZnCQ3. 

Hydrozincite  (Zincbliithe),  Zn3CO5  +  2Aq,  dissolve  in  HC1 
with  effervescence  by  the  escape  of  carbonic  acid  ;  the  solu- 
tion yields  with  caustic  ammonia  a  precipitate  soluble  in 
excess.  In  a  matrass  smithsonite  affords  little  or  no  water; 
hydrozincite,  a  large  quantity. 

WILLEMITE  (hebetine,  anhydrous  silicate  of  zinc),  2n28i. 

C  ALAMiNE,(hydrous  silicate  of  zinc,  Kieselgalmei),^!!^!-}-^, 
with  muriatic  acid  form  a  perfect  jelly.  In  a  matrass  the  latter 
yields  water,  the  former  none.  B.  B.  silicates  of  zinc,  when 
treated  with  cobalt  solution,  become  green  in  places,  with  a 
large  share  of  blue. 

(Compare  zinc  vitriol  and  zincblende  ;  also  kassiterite.) 

Division  3  —  After  ignition,  give  an  alkaline  reaction,  and 
color  moistened  turmeric  paper  brown,  or  red  litmus  paper 
blue. 

BUUCITE*  (hydrate  of  magnesia),  H3MgOa. 

IIVDROMAGNOCALCITE,   (6a, 


*  A  manganese  brucite  is  pi/rorhroite,  H2fMnMg)0.2,  showing  a 
similar  deportment  to  Inn-itf,  yielding,  however,  when  boiled  with 
cone,  phosphoric  acid,  and  addition  of  some  nitric  acid,  a  violet  color 
(manganese). 


310  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

HYDROMAGNESITE  (hydrocarbonate  of  magnesium),  2CaCO3 
-|-  H2Mg02,  in  a  matrass  affords  much  water,  \vhich  is  not  the 
case  with  the  remaining  ones.  Brucite  dissolves  easily  and 
quietly  in  muriatic  acid  ;  the  other  two  minerals  with  effer- 
vescence. The  concentrated  muriatic  acid  solution  of  brucite 
and  hydromagnesite  yields  no  precipitate  with  sulphuric  acid  ; 
that  of  hydromagnocalcite  a  heavy  one  (gypsum). 

A  similar  behavior  as  the  last  is  exhibited  by — 

Predazzite,  2CaC03  +  H2MgO2,  and 

Pencatite,  CaCO3  +  H2MgO2. 

Related  to  hydromagnesite  is  nemalite,  H2MgO2.  (Pro- 
bably a  mixture  of  hydromagnesite  and  brucite,  v.  Kob.) 

Calcite  (carbonate  of  calcium),  CaC03,  and 

ARRAGONITE  (needle  spar),  CaC,  effervesce  strongly  when 
moistened  with  muriatic  acid,  and  are  soluble  even  in  large 
lumps  without  th«  aid  of  heat.  The  concentrated  solution 
gives,  without  sulphuric  acid,  a  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  calcium, 
but  none  when  largely  diluted.  B.  B.  arragonite  crumbles  to 
powder;  calcite  decrepitates,  but  does  not  crumble  like  arra- 
gonite. Specific  gravity  of  calcite,  2.G-2.8  ;  that  of  arragonite, 
2.0-3. 

(Compare  Strontianite.) 

DOLOMITE  (magnesian  limestone),  (Ca,Mg)CO3. 

MAGNESITE  (carbonate.of  magnesium),  MgCO3,  moistened 
with  muriatic  acid  dorfot  effervesce,  unless  reduced  to  a 
powder,  and  then  only  slightly  ;  but  by  application  of  heat  they 
effervesce/4trongly  and  dissolve.  The  concentrated  solution  of 
dolomite  gives  with  sulphuric  acid  a  precipitate  of  sulphate  of 
calcium;  that  of  magnesite,  none.  Magnesite  is  entirely  or 
chiefly  dissolved  in  sulphuric  acid  ;  the  other  only  partially.* 

(Compare  the  next  following  minerals.) 

STRONTIANITE  (carbonate  of  strontium),  SrCO3,  and 

*  Brown  spar  (mesetine  spar)  shows  a  behavior  similar  to  dolomite, 
but  it  becomes  by  ignition  black  and  feebly  magnetic.  Compare  also 
siderite  (ironspar)  and  diallogite  (manganese  spar),  many  varieties 
of  which  upon  ignition  exhibit  an  alkaline  reaction. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  311 

BAIIYTO-CALCITE  (carbonate  of  barium  and  calcium),  (Ba, 
Ca)CO3,  are  readily  distinguished  from  the  preceding,  since 
in  small  lumps  they  do  not,  or  only  transiently,  effervesce  with 
cone.  HC1,  but  are  soluble  with  effervescence  in  very  dilute 
muriatic  acid ;  the  solution,  even  when  largely  diluted,  gives 
with  sulphuric  acid  a  precipitate,  with  baryto-calcite  at  once, 
with  strontianite  only  after  a  while.  B.  B.  strontianite  spreads 
out  into  cauliflower-like  ramifications,  which  emit  a  brilliant 
white  light,  and  tinge  the  flame  with  a  purple-red.  Baryto- 
calcite  tinges  the  flame  with  a  feeble  greenish-yellow,  while 
the  mineral  acquires  a  green  color. 

(Compare  yttrocerite ;  likewise  talc  and  muscovite,  some 
varieties  of  which  after  ignition  react  alkaline.) 

Division  4 — In  hydrochloric  acid,  or,  if  this  has  no  effect,  in 
nitric  acid,  entirely  or  chiefly  dissolved,  without  forming 
a  jelly  or  leaving  any  considerable  residue  of  silicic  acid. 

Lithiophorite,  Mu,Cu,CojLi2,Ba,Xl,Mn,fl2,  color,  bluish-black  ; 
lustre,  dull.  B.  B.  colors  the  flame  carmine-red  (lithia).  With 
salt  of  phosphorus  gives  reactions  for  copper  and  cobalt. 

Ludwigite,*  Comp.  R4FeB2010.  R.5  iron  protoxide  and  mag- 
nesia, combined  with  iron  sesquioxide,  and  boron  trioxide. 
Color,  black.  Fusible  with  difficulty.  Gives  with  sulphuric 
acid  and  alcohol  the  green  reaction  of  boric  acid. 

Cervantite,  SbO2  =  Sb2O3  -f  Sb2O6.  B.  B.  on  coal  infusible, 
but  with  soda  on  coal  easily  reduced  to  metallic  antimony, 
yielding  also  the  antimony  coating.  Affords  little  or  no  water 
in  the  closed  tube. 

Siderite  (carbonate  of  iron,  spathic  iron),  FeCO3  (Mn, 
CaMg)  ; 

Mesitite,  Mesitine  (mesitine  spar,  breunnerite,  braunspath), 
Mg2FeC800 ; 

DIALLOGITE  (rhodochrosite,  carbonate  of  manganese), 
MnCO3  ;  and 

*  Brush  considers  it  only  a  variety  of  sussexite. — Man.  of  Detenu. 
Min.,  page  82.  Consult  E.  S.  Dana's  Textbook  of  Min.,  1880,  page  358. 


312  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Zaratite  (emerald  nickel,  Nickelsmaragd),  Ni3CO5  -\-  6Aq, 
are  soluble  in  muriatic  acid  (by  the  aid  of  heat)  with 
effervescence  caused  by  the  escape  of  carbonic  acid ;  the 
remainder  do  not  effervesce.  Siderite,  mesitite,  and  emerald 
nickel  B.  B.  form  a  black  or  gray  mass  which  is  attracted  by 
the  magnet.  Emerald  nickel  is  recognizable  by  its  green  color, 
and  the  fact  that  its  muriatic  acid  solution  turns  pale  blue  by 
an  excess  of  ammonia.  Siderite  in  most  varieties  decrepitates 
very  strongly ;  to  borax  glass  it  imparts  a  bottle-green  color. 
Mesitite  dissolved  in  nitric  acid,  and  the  oxide  of  iron  preci- 
pitated with  ammonia,  yields  with  oxalate  of  ammonium  no 
precipitate,  but  if  ammonia  be  added,  and  then  phosphate  of 
soda,  a  heavy  precipitate  (of  phosphate  of  magnesium  and  ammo- 
nium) falls.  The  solution  of  siderite  gives  with  the  last-named 
reagents  only  a  slight  precipitate  'or  none.  Diallogite  B.  B. 
becomes  gray  or  black,  and  sometimes  magnetic  ;  to  borax 
glass  in  the  oxidizing  flame  it  imparts  an  amethystine-red. 

Hydrotalcite  (vblknerite),  £l,Mg,fi,,<3.  Yields  in  a  ma- 
trass much  water.  B.  B.  in  the  R.  F.  does  not  become  mag- 
netic. The  powder  effervesces  with  muriatic  acid,  and  is 
thence  dissolved.  Neutralizing  the  acid  solution  with  bicar- 
bonate of  sodium  and  filtering  off  the  precipitate,  the  filtrate 
gives  with  oxalate  of  ammonium  none,  but  with  phosphate  of 
sodium  and  ammonium  a  heavy  white  precipitate. 

Parisite,  3(Ce,La,Di)CO3  -f  (Ca,Ce)Fl.  '  Slowly  soluble 
in  HC1 ;  the  not  too  acid  solution  gives  with  oxalic  acid  a 
white  precipitate,  which  on  ignition  becomes  brick-red  (oxide 
of  cerium). 

GOETHITE  (pyrrhosiderite,  Eisenrutil),  H2Fe04. 

LIMONITE  (brown  hematite,  brown  ochre),  Hgf'e.jOg,*  heated 

*  The  yellow  clay  iron  stone,  Bohnerz,  bog  iron  ore,  Eisenniere 
(reuiform  iron  ore),  are  mixtures  of  limonite,  clay,  sand,  phosphate 
of  calcium  and  of  iron,  etc.  They  are  generally  fusible,  sometimes 
easily  so,  and  are  dissolved  by  muriatic  acid  witli  separation  of  clay, 
etc.  Anthosiderite,  Fe0335.7,SiO260.3,H4040=  100. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  313 

before  B.  B.  in  the  reduction  flame  become  black  and  magne- 
tic ;  in  a  matrass  afford  water ;  they  dissolve  slowly  and  with- 
out effervescence  in  concentrated  muriatic  acid ;  the  solution 
with  ammonia  gives  a  reddish-brown  precipitate.  Goethite 
occurs  crystallized,  and  in  one  direction  is  distinctly  cleavable  ; 
color  is  hyacinth-red,  also  brown,  and  blackish-brown;  by 
ignition  it  loses  10  per  cent.  Limonite  occurs  sometimes  in 
fibrous,  but  generally  in  dense  masses,  of  a  brown  color ;  upon 
ignition  it  loses  14-J  per  cent.  The  streak  of  each  is  ochre- 
yellow. 

Targite  (hydro-hematite},  H2Fe207,  has  a  brownish-red  streak ^ 
and  loses  in  the  closed  tube  5-7  per  cent,  of  water.  B.  B. 
heated  in  R.  F.  becomes  black  and  magnetic  ;  soluble  with 
difficulty  in  HC1.  Compare — 

Hematite  (specular  iron,  red  hematite),  Fe2O3,  which  in 
many  varieties  is  without  metallic  lustre.  Can  easily  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  cherry-red  color  of  its  streak,  and  by  its 
yielding  no  water,  or  only  traces  of  it  in  the  closed  tube. 

SPHALERITE*  (zincblende,  black  jack,  sulphuret  of  zinc), 
ZnS. 

MARMATITE*  (sulphuret  of  zinc  and  iron),  (Zn,Fe)S,  and 

GREENOCKITE  (sulphuret  of  cadmium),  CdS,  boiled  with 
muriatic  acid  give  off  sulphuretted  hydrogen  (and  if  previously 
mixed  with  iron  powder,  even  at  ordinary  temperature).  B. 
B.  with  soda  they  form  hepar.  On  coal,  greenockite  deposits  a 
brownish-red  ring  of  oxide  of  cadmium  ;  the  others  leave  a 
yellowish  coat  of  oxide  of  zinc.  Concentrated  nitric  acid  dis- 

From  Antonio  Pereia,  Brazil,  where  it  is  intimately  associated  with 
magnetic  iron,  appears  to  be  a  mixtiire  of  limonite  with  quartz,  for 
the  silica  separated  by  the  decomposition  with  HC1  behaves  with  caus- 
tic potash  like  quartz  powder. 

*  Von  Kobell.  Brush  makes  no  distinction  between  the  two  mine- 
rals, but  considers  marmatite  a  ferriferous  variety  of  sphalerite,  and 
gives  to  the  latter  the  formula  (Zn,Fe)S.  A  part  of  the  Zn  being 
often  replaced  also  by  cadmium  ;  also  containing  in  minute  quantities 
thallium^  indium,  and  gallium. 
27 


314  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

solves  all  three  with  separation  of  sulphur;  in  this  solution 
ammonia  causes  a  precipitate,  which  is  principally  redissolved 
in  excess  when  the  mineral  is  sphalerite  or  greenockite,  while 
marmatite  leaves  a  perceptible  amount  of  oxide  of  iron  as  a 
residue.  The  ammoniacal  solution  yields  with  sulphide  of 
ammonium  either  a  white  precipitate  of  sulphide  of  zinc,  or  a 
yellow  one  of  sulphide  of  cadmium. 

WAD  (bog  manganese,  earthy  manganese),  H2MnaO5. 

ZINCITE  (red  zinc  ore,  manganesian  oxide  of  zinc,  Roth- 
zinkerz),  ZnO  (with  MnO).  B.  B.  with  borax  give  the  reac- 
tion of  manganese.  The  first  has  a  brown,  the  second  a  red 
color. 

(Compare  psilomelane  (is  of  a  gray  color).  Also  pyrochroite 
and  the  next  mineral.) 

ASBOLITE*  (earthy  cobalt),  Mn,Co,Ou,#r  B.  B.  with  borax 
forms  a  fine  sapphire-blue  glass  (Co).  With  soda  on  platinum 
foil  yields  a  green  color  (Mn).  On  charcoal  generally  emits  a 
slight  arsenical  odor.  (Some  varieties  of  asbolite  fuse.) 

Uraninite  (Uranpecherz,  pitchblende),  U3Og,  and 

Zippeite  (Uranocker),  U3S2O,5  +  12Aq.  B.  B.  give  with 
salt  of  phosphorus  in  O.  F.  a  yellow  bead,  which  in  R.  F. 
becomes  deep  green  (uranium).  In  nitric  acid  they  are  soluble, 
forming  a  yellow  liquid,  from  which  ammonia  throws  down  a 
sulphur-yellow  precipitate.  The  nitric  solution  of  zippeite 
gives  a  heavy  precipitate  with  nitrate  of  barium. 

The  color  of  uraninite  is  pitch-black,  that  of  zippeitef 
yellow.'  The  spec.  grav.  of  uraninite  is  6.5,  that  of  zippeite  3. 

Turquoisl  (callaite,  Kalait,  Germ.),  A^O^n-  5Aq,  con- 
taining Cu,  colors  the  blowpipe  flame  green ;  when  mois- 
tened, muriatic  acid  tinges  it  with  a  transient  blue  color.  In 
potassa  it  is  chiefly  soluble,  leaving  only  a  cupreous  residue. 
The  nitric  solution  gives  a  yellow  precipitate  with  molybdate 

*  A  variety  of  wad. 

f  Many  impure  varieties  of  uranochre  are  fusible. 
J    Turrjuois  receives  a  good  polish,  and  is  highly  esteemed  in  Persia, 
where  it  is  mainly  found,  as  a  gem. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  315 

of  ammonium  (phosphoric  acid).  In  the  closed  tube  much 
water  (19  per  cent.).  Color,  sky-blue  to  green.  Spec.  grav. 
2-2.8. 

APATITE  (phosphate  of  calcium),  3CaP.ps+CaCl,F)2.  Fusi- 
bility, 5.  B.  B.  moistened  with  sulphuric  acid  it  colors  the 
flame  feebly  green.  The  nitric  acid  solution  gives  with  molyb- 
date  of  ammonium  a  yellow  precipitate  of  phosphoric  acid.  The 
nearly  neutral  solution  gives  with  oxalate  of  ammonium  a  white 
precipitate  of  oxalate  of  calcium.  B.  B.  in  a  matrass  yields  no 
water.  Spec.  grav.  3.2. 

MONAZITE  (mengite,  emerite),  5(Ca,La,Di)3P208,Th2P2O0. 
Infusible.  The  mineral  powder  in  the  loop  of  a  platinum  wire, 
moistened  with  sulphuric  acid,  tinges  the  flame  green.  Soluble 
in  muriatic  acid  with  difficulty.  The  powdered  mineral  fused 
with  caustic  potash,  and  the  mass  treated  with  water  and  fil- 
tered, and  the  filtrate,  acidulated  with  nitric  acid,  produce*, 
with  molybdate  of  ammonium,,  a  yellow  precipitate  (PSO5).  The 
residue  not  dissolved  by  water  is  dissolved  in  a  little  HC1,  and 
oxalic  acid  added,  when  a  heavy  precipitate  is  thrown  down, 
which,  ignited  in  a  platinum  spoon,  turns  brick-red  (oxide  of 
cerium).  At  present  found  only  in  small,  tabular  crystals  of  a 
reddish-brown  or  yellow  color.  Spec.  grav.  4.9-5.2. 

CHILDRBNITE,  (Fe,Mn)8Al2P6029+  15Aq.  B.  B.  frits  (bakes) 
only  on  the  surface,  affects  after  ignition  in  the  reducing  flame 
the  magnetic  needle.  Moistened  with  sulphuric  acid  it  colors 
the  flame  greenish.  Soluble  with  difficulty  in  muriatic  acid. 
The  partial  solution  yields  with  molybdate  of  ammonium  a  yel- 
low precipitate  (P2O6). 

POLYCRASE  (polymignite),  Y,LT,^e,Ti,Cb2,*fi2.  B.  B.  decrep- 
itates when  heated  suddenly,  but  is  infusible  and  unchange- 
able. If  the  powder  is  melted  with  caustic  potassa,  and  the 
mass  boiled  with  muriatic  acid  and  then  filtered,  the  liquid 
assumes,  if  boiled  down  in  contact  with  tinfoil,  a  blue  color 

*  Or  $l>2  (niobic  acid  of  Continental  chemists).  Cl>2  (columbic 
acid  according  to  Dana). 


316  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

(the  liquid  must  be  considerably  concentrated  however),  which 
upon  the  addition  of  very  little  water  becomes  more  clear,  and 
yields  a  blue  filtrate  ;  or,  the  mineral  may  be  fused  with  bisul- 
phateof  potassium,  the  mass  dissolved  in  dilute  HC1,  and  boiled 
with  tin,  when  the  same  blue  solution  is  obtained.  The  dilute 
acid  solution  colors  turmeric  paper  orange-yellow  (zirconia). 
Color,  black.  Spec.  grav.  4.7-5.  H.  0.5-6.5. 

FLUOCERITE  (fluoride  of  cerium),  Ce,Fl4,  and 

Bastnasite  (bamartite),  CeF,2(Ce,La)C,  evolve  with  bisul- 
phate  of  potassa  or  strong  sulphuric  acid  hydrofluoric  acid 
gas,  corroding  glass  (a  watch  glass  or  glass  tube  may  be  ex- 
posed to  the  fumes).*  Bastnasite  gives  off  at  the  same  time 
carbon  dioxide  (CO2).  Their  color  is  yellow.  Spec.  grav.  of 
fluocerite  4.7,  that  of  bastnasite  4.93. 

A  similar  deportment  is  shown  by — 

Yttrocerite,  (Cu,Ce,Y)F2.  Like  fluorecite ;  but  has  an 
imperfect  cleavage  in  two  directions  in  the  planes  of  a  quadra- 
tic prism.  Color,  violet-blue,  inclining  to  white  arid  gray  or 
grayish-red.  Lustre,  weak,  vitreous. 

Division  5 —  With  muriatic  acid  form  a  jelly,  or  are  decom- 
posed with  separation  of  silicic  acid,  without  gelatinizing  ; 
do  not  exhibit  the  characters  of  the  preceding  numbers. 

Section  i. — In  a  matrass  afford  water. 

DIOPTASE  (emerald  copper),  H2CuSi04. 

CHRYSOCOLLA  (copper-green,  Kieselmalachit),  CuSi03-j- 
2Aq. 

CYANOCHALCITE,  6u,£a,-&i,lI2,  and 

Asperolite}  (chrysocalla),  CuSiO3  -f  3Aq.  B.  B.  fused 
with  soda  on  charcoal  effervesce  and  yield  a  glass  which  in- 

*  Must  not  be  inhaled,  being  corroding  and  poisonous. 

f  Hermann  has  given  this  -name  to  an  amorphous  mineral  from 
Tagilsk,  Russia,  so  named  on  account  of  its  great  brittleness.  Dana 
considers  it  a  variety  of  chrysocolla.  See  System  of  Min.,  pp.  402, 
403,  and  404. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  317 

closes  a  ductile  copper  globule.  Dioptase  gives  with  acids  a 
perfect  jelly.  Chrysocolla,  cyanochalcite,  and  ..asperolite  are 
decomposed  without  gelatinization.  When  the  powdered 
minerals  are  boiled  with  caustic  potash,  a  deep  blue  solution 
is  obtained,  and  the  powder  turns  a  brownish  color.  By  con- 
tinued boiling,  the  blue  color  of  the  lye  diminishes  again,  and 
the  powder  turns  brownish-black.  From  the  filtered  solution, 
sal  ammoniac,  when  added  in  sufficient  quantity,  throws  down 
hydrous  silica.  Dioptase  loses  by  ignition  11  per  cent,  of 
water.  Cyanochalcite  16  per  cent.  Chrysocolla  20  per  cent. 
Asperolite  27  per  cent,  of  water.  Cyanochalcite  as  an  azure- 
blue  color;  the  others  are  either  green  or  bluish-green. 

Uranotil,  Ca2U6Si5O30  -|-  15Aq.  Color,  lemon-yellow,  turn- 
ing" black  by  ignition.  The  HC1  solution  yields  after  separa- 
tion of  the  silica,  with  ammonia,  a  sulphur-yellow  precipitate 
(tf).  Loses  by  ignition  12.7  per  cent,  of  water.  Crystallizes 
in  needles. 

Xonaltite,  4CaSiO3  -f  H2O.  Infusible  according  to  Ram- 
melsberg.  The  HC1  solution  gives,  after  separation  of  the 
silica,  with  ammonia  no  precipitate,  but  oxalate  of  ammonium 
throws  down  oxalate  of  calcium.  Yields  3.7  per  cent,  of  water. 
Massive  ;  color,  white. 

Thorite,  ThSiO4  +  H2O,  and 

Cerite,  (Ce,La,Di)2SiO4  -|-  HaO,  gelatinize  with  hydro- 
chloric acid.*  B.  B.  witli  soda  on  charcoal  give  no  copper 
globule.  The  solution  of  cerite  yields  (when  not  too  acid)  with 
oxalic  acid  a  white  precipitate,  which,  upon  being  heated  in  a 
platinum  spoon,  turns  brick-red  (cerium  oxide).  The  color  of 
thorite  is  black  ;  streak,  dark  brown.  Color  of  cerite,  red- 
dish-gray ;  streak,  white.  Their  spec,  gravities  are  from 
4.7-5. 

Chloropal  (nontronite),  (*-'eSi3O9  -f  5Aq. 


*  The  jelly  of  cerite  produced  with  dilute  HCl  is  som-'wh  it  soft, 
that  obtained  with  oonc.  HCl  forms  a  gelatinous  mass. 

27* 


318  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Rottisite  (gentliite),  H4(Ni,Mg)4S53O12,  are  amorphous  and  of 
a  green  color.  Wolchonskoite  of  a  dark  leech-green,  the  others 
yellowish-green.  B.  B.  wolchonskoite  gives  to  the  borax  bead 
in  both  O.  F.  and  R.  F.  an  emerald-green  color  which,  on 
cooling,  does  not  fade  (chromium).  Chloropal  gives  a  green 
glass  which  fades  on  cooling.  If  the  powdered  mineral  is 
treated  with  caustic  potash,  it  turns  without  boiling,  blackish, 
if  the  species  is  chloropal ;  if  rbttisite,  the  color  is,  only  after 
boiling  and  with  a  strongly  concentrated  solution,  changed  to 
brown.  Wolchonskoite  undergoes  very  little  change.  The 
HC1  solution  of  rottisite  assumes  with  ammonia  a  blue  color. 

Rottisite  closely  resembles 

Genthite  (v.  Kob.)* 

Thraulite  (hisingerite,  gillingite),  ^e,Fe,Mg,Ca,Si,Aq. 

Xylotyh  (mountain  wood,  Bergholz),  Fe,Mg,Si,Aq.  B.  B. 
after  fusion  or  long  heating  in  the  reduction  flame  become 
magnetic ;  are  readily  decomposed  in  muriatic  acid  without 
forming  a  perfect  jelly.  The  solution  of  the  second,  after 
separation  of  the  oxide  of  iron  by  ammonia,  gives  a  heavy 
precipitate  with  ammonia  and  phosphate  of  sodium  ;  that  of 
the  first  gives  none.  Thraulite  is  friable  and  brittle;  its  color 
brownish-black.  Mountain  wood  has  been  found  only  in  tough, 
fibrous,  wood-like  masses,  exhibiting  a  wood-brown  color. 

SEPIOLITE  (meerschaum),  MggSi8Og -}- 2Aq,  is  very  light; 
specific  gravity,  1.5.  B.  B.  burns  white  and  shrinks.  Muriatic 
acid  decomposes  it  easily  into  a  gelatinous  mass.  Absorbs 
water  greedily.  Contains  10  per  cent,  of  water. 

BASTITE  (Schillerspath). 

CHRYSOTILE  (an  asbestiform  variety  of  serpentine  allied  to 
picrolite,  Dana),  show  submetallic,  opalescent,  pearly  lustre, 
the  first  upon  one  cleavage  plane,  the  second  upon  its  compos- 
ing fibres.  Roasted  B.  B.  bastite  turns  brown  ;  chrysotyle 
white.  Both  are  decomposed  by  concentrated  muriatic  acid 

*  Brush  calls  both  minerals  "gentliite." 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  319 

with  gelatinization,  still  easier  by  sulphuric  acid  without  gela- 
tinization.  Loss  by  ignition,  12  per  cent. 

MKTAXITE*  resembles  chrysotile,  but  is  of  feeble,  silky 
lustre  both  in  its  massive  and  fibrous  variety. 

Cerolite  (kerolite),  H2Mg2Si307  -f-  H2O.  Hardness,  .2-3. 
Assumes,  when  moistened  with  cobalt  solution,  and  heated 
B.  B.,  a  pale  flesh  color.  When  heated  loses  30  per  cent,  of 
water. 

SERPENTINE  (hydrated  silicate  of  magnesium),  Mg3Si2O7  -f- 
2Aq.  Concentrated  muriatic  acid  dissolves  it  without  gelati- 
nization. Usually  massive  and  dense.  Hardness,  3-4.  Loss 
by  ignition  12  to  13  per  cent.  The  following  hydrous  magne- 
sium silicates  show  a  similar  deportment,  but  exhibit,  however, 
a  crystalline  structure  and  cleavage. 

PYCROPIIYLL,!  hardness,  2.5.  Loss  by  ignition  10^  per 
cent. 

PICROSMINE,J  hardness,  2.7.     Loss  by  ignition  9  per  cent. 

MARM«LITE,§  hardness,  2.5  to  3.  Loss  by  ignition  15.7 
per  cent. 

Kdm mererite\\  (penninite),  Mg5AlSi3Ou -\-  4Aq,  hardness,  1.5 
to  2.  Loss  by  ignition  13  per  cent.  Color,  crimson-red;  the 
others  are  of  a  greenish  or  greenish-gray  color.  Kammererite 
is  chemically  identical  with  Kotschubeit  (ripidiolite,  Brush), 
Mg5AlSi3Ou  -f-  4Aq,  but  are  distinguished  optically,  the  former 
being  mon-axial,  the  latter  bin-axial. 

(Compare  also  chlorite  and  ripidolite,  which  are  decomposed 
by  muriatic  acid,  though  with  difficulty,  6.  Compare  gymnite.) 

*  Dana  (Manual  of  Min.  and  Lithol.,  pp.  307-9)  considers  bastite, 
chrysotile,  and  nietaxite  as  different  varieties  of  serpentine,  H2Mg3Si208 
-f-  lAq.  Consult  likewise  Dana's  Textbook  of  Min.,  p.  328,  and 
Brush's  Determinative  Min.,  p.  94,  "  serpentine." 

f   Pycrophyll  and 

J  Picrosmine  are  varieties  of  pyroxene  (Brush,  Determ.  Min.,  p.  88). 

§  Marmolile  is  a  thin,  foliated,  and  pearly  variety  of  serpentine 
(Brush,  Ibid.,  p.  94). 

||  According  to  Kenngott,  kammererite  is  only  a  variety 
colored  red  by  chromic  acid. 


320  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

ANTIGOKITE*  (a  foliated  variety  of  serpentine). 

MONRADITE  (pyroxene),  (Mg,Fe)SiO3  -f  H2O. 

NEOLITE,  Mg,£l,Si,H2. 

CLiXTONiTEf  (seybertite),  (Mge^Ca^Xl^Pe)^!.  Likewise 
decomposed  by  concentrated  muriatic  acid  with  formation  of 
jelly.  Loss  by  ignition  amounts  only  from  4  to  6  per  cent. 
Antigorite  is  found  in  foliated  masses,  cleavable  perfectly  in 
one  direction.  Hardness,  2.5.  Monradite,  crystalline,  foliated. 
Hardness,  6.  Clintonite  distinctly  cleavable  in  one  direction. 
Hardness,  4.4  to  5.  Neolite  very  soft.  Hardness,  1.  Is 
greasy  like  soap  to  the  touch. 

Section  ii. — In  a  matrass  (jive  no  water,  or  only  a  trace. 

(Compare  the  last-named  minerals  of  the  preceding  division.) 

GADOLINITE,  (Y,Ce,Be,Fe)3$i05,  and 

GEHLENITE,]:  Ca3(AlFe)Si2010.  Gelatinize  perfectly  with 
muriatic  acid.  B.  B.  gadolinite  swells  up,  and  many  varieties 
exhibit  a  momentary  glow.  At  a  long-continued  heating  assume 
a  dirty  green  color,  some  varieties  becoming  rounded  on  their 
sharp  edges ;  is  not  cleavable.  Color,  black,  blackish-green. 
Specific  gravity,  4  to  4.3.  Gehlenite  does  not  swell  up.  In 
thin  scales  becomes  rounded  on  the  edges  without  showing  any 
peculiar  phenomena.  Color,  grayish-white.  Specific  gravity,  3. 

CHRYSOLITE  (olivine),  (Mg,Fe)2SiO4,  and 

CHRONDRODITE,  Mg8Si3Ou  (contains  F).  Gelatinize  per- 
fectly with  muriatic  acid.  With  sulphuric  acid  the  second 
evolves  a  large  proportion  of  hydrofluoric  acid  gas;  the  former 
gives  none.  B.  B.  chrysolite  is  but  little  alterable.  Color, 
olive-green.  Hardness,  7.  H.  of  chondrodite,  6.5.  Color, 

*  A  variety  of  serpentine,  Mg3Si207-f-  2Aq.,  with  a  small  amount  of 
^e,  according  to  Brush's  Determin.  Min.,  p.  94. 

f  Analysis  by  G.  Brush  obtained  Si02,  20.24;  &103,  39.13;  fe03, 
3.27;  MgO,  20.84;  CaO,  13.69;  H20,  1.04;  Na20(K20),  1.43;  Zr02, 
0.75  =  100.39  from  Amity,  N.  Y.  Dana's  Textbook,  p.  336. 

J  The  mineral  foun.d  at  Monzoni,  called  massive  gehlenite,  fuses 
much  more  easily,  and  forms  a  separate  species. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  321 

yellow,  brownish,  greenish.  Hyalosiderite  is"  an  olivine  con- 
taining iron.  The  solution  in  aqua  regia  yields,  after  separa- 
tion of  the  silica,  with  ammonia  a  brownish-red  precipitate  of 
hydrated  sesquioxide  of  iron. 

Monticellite  (batrachite),  (Ca,Mg)2SiO4.  The  solution 
gives  after  the  precipitation  by  ammonia  of  some  iron,  with 
oxalate  of  ammonium  a  white  precipitate  (lime). 

(Compare  ropperite.) 

BOLTONITE  (forsterite),  Mg2SiO4,  in  one  direction  perfectly 
cleavable ;  hardness,  5  ;  specific  gravity,  3  ;  color,  yellow.  Cone. 
HC1  decomposes  it,  and  the  silica  separates  as  a  slimy  powder. 

LEUCITE  (amphigene),  K2Al,Si4Oi2.  Decomposed  by  HC1 
without  gelatinizing ;  the  silicic  acid  being  separated  as  fine 
powder.  Many  varieties  give  with  cobalt  solution  a  fine  blue. 
Not  cleavable.  It  occurs  crystallized  almost  always  in  trapezo- 
hedrons.  Hardness,  5.5  ;  specific  gravity,  2.5  ;  color,  grayish 
or  yellowish-white. 

Division  G — -The  species  yet  remaining,  ichich  could  not  be 
arranged  tinder  the  foregoing  divisions,  may  be  separated 
into  tivo  groups  distinguished  by  their  hardness. 

Section  i. — Hardness  under  7  {quartz). 

BIOTITE,  HEXAGONAL  MICA  (uniaxial  mica,  Einaxiger 
Glimmer),  K2(Fe,Mg)7Al3Si7O28. 

MUSCOVITE,  OBLIQUE  MICA  (biaxial  mica,  common  mica, 
Zweiaxiger  Glimmer,  Germ.),  K2AISi2O8. 

TALC  (soapstone,  steatite,  Speckstein),  H2Mg3Si4O12.  B.  B. 
in  a  matrass  yield  none,  or  little  water.  Talc  and  soapstone  (mas- 
sive talc)  do  not  lose  more  than  5  per  cent.  All,  except  the  last, 
distinctly  cleavable  in  one  direction  ;  hardness,  1-2.5.  Talc 
has  a  greasy  feel,  the  others  have  not.  Biotite  is  decomposed 
by  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  the  others  are  not.  Biotite 
is  optically  uniaxial,  sometimes  biaxial,  but  the  angle  of 
divergence  does  not  exceed  5°  and  seldom  1°.  Turned  in  the 
stauroscope,  the  black  cross  is  not  changed,  while  with  the 


322  MIXER  ALCHJY    SIMPLIFIED. 

others  it  is  changed  with  various  colors.  The  optical  angle  of 
muscovite  is  44°-48°  ;  of  rnagarite,  the  same  ;  and  of  phlogo- 
pite,  3°—  20°,  seldom  less  than  5°.  The  lamina?  of  muscovite 
are  elastic,  flexible  ;  those  of  talc  are  flexible  but  not  elastic. 
Steatite  (Speckstein)  is  a  dense  talc,  feels  also  greasy  to  the  touch. 

(Compare  pyrophyilite.) 

A  similar  behavior  to  biotite  is  shown  by 

Margarodite,  K2AlSi208(-{-  Aq),   and 

Phlogopite,  K2Mg6AlSi5O20,  which  are  decomposed  by  concen- 
trated sulphuric  acid.  They  are  optically  biaxial,  and  alter 
the  cross  in  the  stauroscope  of  Kobell  with  different  colors. 

Chlorite,  Mg,Fe,£l,Si,II2. 

DELESSITE,  M^Fe^l^gi,!^. 

RIPODOLITE  (Klinochlor)  Mg6AlSi3014  +  4Aq.  B.  B.  in  a 
matrass  affords  a  considerable  amount  of  water.  Loss  by 
ignition,  12  per  cent  ;  cleavage  distinct  in  one  direction  ; 
laminaB  not  elastic.  Chlorite  usually  forms  micaceous,  granular 
masses.  Delessite  is  fibrous  ;  their  hardness  1  to  2.5.  By 
boiling  with  muriatic  acid  (or  still  more  easily  with  sulphuric 
acid)  they  are  decomposed.  Ripidolite  B.  B.  burns  white,  and 
fuses  at  5.5  to  a  grayish-yellow  enamel.  Chlorite  turns  black, 
and  moves  a  delicate  magnetic  needle.  B.  B.  ripidolite  gives 
when  fused  together  with  the  proper  amount  of  borax  a  green 
bead  (oxide  of  chromium).  Chlorite  gives  the  reaction  for 
iron. 

Closely  related  to  ripidolite  is 

Lei.tchtenbergite  of  a  yellow  color,  is  optically  uniaxial,  while 

Ripidolite,  especially  the  variety  clinochlor,  is  binaxial. 

Here  belongs 

Pennitite  (Pennin),  Mg6AlSi3014  -f  4Aq.  Color,  green,  like 
chlorite  ;  is  uniaxial,  and  crystallizes  in  rhombohedrons  of 


Related  with  the  preceding  minerals  are 

CMoritoid  (Sismondin,  masonite),  (Fe,Mg)(Al,Fe)Si06+H20, 
is  not  essentially  attacked  by  muriatic  acid,  but  is  decomposed 
by  concentrated  sulphuric  acid.  It  is  easily  distinguished  by  its 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  323 

hardness,  5-G,  and  its  loss  by  ignition  amounting  to  only  7^ 
per  cent. 

Cerolite  (Kerolitli).  (Compare  Division  5,  «.)  Amorphous, 
yellowish-white;  hardness,  2-3;  loses  30  per  cent,  by  heating. 
HC1  decomposes  it  mostly. 

Bawxite  (beauxite)  (AH?e)03-f- 2  Aq.  Amorphous,  grayish- 
white,  reddish-brown.  In  the  closed  tube  loses  20  per  cent,  of 
water.  Hydrochloric  acid  affects  it  but  little,  while  concen- 
trated phosphoric  acid  dissolves  it  almost  entirely.  Soluble, 
also,  in  sulphuric  acid. 

(Compare  argyllite.) 

WoLCHONSKOiTE,^r,&'l,Pe  Mg,Si,H4.  Amorphous,  dark  green. 
Boiled  down  with  phosphoric  acid  it  furnishes  an  emerald-green 
solution,  not  altered  by  dilution  with  water,  while  gelatinous 
silicic  acid  separates.  Chromite,  sometimes  of  a  metal-like 
fatty  lustre,  gives  also  the  above  chromium  reaction,  but  the 
mineral  is  black,  and  the  streak  yellowish-browrn. 

(Compare  I.  B.  3.) 

WARWICKITE,  2MgTi03  +  Mg4B6O13.  Its  powder  is  de- 
composed by  concentrated  sulphuric  acid.  The  solution  when 
evaporated  to  dryness  imparts  to  burning  alcohol  a  green 
color.  When  this  mass  is  boiled  with  hydrochloric  acid  and 
tin-foil,  the  liquid,  when  duly  concentrated,  assumes  a  violet 
color,  which  upon  the  addition  of  water  turns  into  a  rose-red. 

BRONZITE  (broncite,  hypersthene),  (Mg,Fe)SiO3. 

ANTHOPIIYLLITE,  Fegi  +  Mg3gi2.  The  former  is  perfectly 
cleavable  in  one  direction,  and  shows  a  pearly,  metallic  lustre  ; 
the  second  is  distinctly  cleavable  in  two  directions  at  124^°, 
and  presents  a  similar  but  inferior  lustre.  Their  hardness, 
5-5.5.  Hypersthene,  while  closely  approaching  to  bronzite, 
cleaves  distinctly  at  86^°. 

Tungstite  (tungstic  acid,  Wolfrarasaeure),  WO8.  Color, 
yellow.  Gives,  when  boiled  with  phosphoric  acid,  a  bluish  solu- 
tion, which,  when  stirred  while  warm  with  iron  powder  and  a 
little  water,  assumes  at  once  a  dark-blue  color.  Soluble  in 


324  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

alkalies.  B.  B.  gives  with  salt  of  phosphorus  in  O.  F,  a  color- 
less bead,  which  in  R.  F.,  or  better  with  tin  on  charcoal,  turns 
blue  on  cooling.  Occurs  in  soft  earthy  masses. 

Scheelite  (tungstate  of  calcium),  CaWO4.  Fuses  at  5.  When 
boiled  in  nitric  acid  there  remains  a  lemon-yellow  residue  of 
tuns-tic  acid,  which  is  soluble  in  alkalies.  Boiled  down  with 
phosphoric  acid  yields  a  blue  mass,  which  diluted  with  much 
water  forms  a  colorless  solution,  which,  when  agitated  with 
iron  powder,  assumes  a  fine  blue  color.  H.  4.5-6.  Spec.  grav.  6. 

Cassiterite  (tinstone,  peroxide  of  tin),  SnO2  B.  B.  fused 
on  coal  with  cyanide  of  potassium  the  splinters  are  reduced  to 
metallic  tin  (alone,  only  with  much  difficulty)  ;  is  considerably 
heavier  than  similar  minerals.  Specific  gravity,  6.8-7.  Hard- 
ness, 6.5. 

Octahedrite  (anatase)  also  rutile  (titanic  acid),  Ti02. 
When  the  fine  powder  has  been  fused  with  potassa  and  then 
dissolved  in  muriatic  acid,  the  solution  boiled  with  metallic 
tin  assumes  a  violet  color,  which,  upon  addition  of  water,  turns 
red  without  further  change.  The  fine  powder  may,  before 
treating  it  with  HC1,  also  be  first  fused  with  bisulphate  of  pot- 
assium, or  dissolved  with  hot  cone,  sulphuric  acid.  Anatase  is 
perfectly  cleavable  in  the  planes  of  a  quadratic  pyramid  at 
136°  22'.  Rutile  in  the  planes  of  a  quadratic  or  equiangular 
octagonal  prism.  Hardness  of  anatase  5.5.  Color,  indigo- 
blue,  brown,  rarely  red.  Hardness  of  rutile,  6.5.  Color, 
generally  red,  brownish-red,  blackish.  Both  possess  a  strong 
metallic  adamantine  lustre.  A  similar  deportment  is  shown  by 

Brookite^  also  TiO2.  Crystallization  rhombic,  primary 
form,  a  right  rhombic  prism.  Hardness,  5.5-6.  Color,  yel- 
lowish to  reddish-brown. 

(Compare  perofskite,  which  is  sometimes  hyacinth-red,  and 
crystallizes  in  cubic  crystals.  Compare  sphene.) 

^Eschynite,  (Ce,La,Di,Fe,Y)3Cb2(Ti,Th)3Ou,  and 

*  The  opaque,  iron  black  crystals  with  submetallic  lustre,  from 
Arkansas,  have  been  named  by  Sbeppard  arkansite. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  325 

Euxenite  (Y,Fe,U)3Ti2Cb2O12,H2O.  When  the  powder  is 
fused  with  caustic  potash  in  a  silver  crucible,  and  the  mass 
lixiviated  with  water,  the  filtered  solution  neutralized  with 
muriatic  acid  yields  a  precipitate,  which,  boiled  with  an  excess 
of  concentrated  muriatic  acid  and  tin-foil,  furnishes,  upon  the 
addition  of  water,  a  blue  solution,  which  turns  olive-green  in 
the  air,  and  then  fades.  If  the  residue  from  the  lye  is  boiled 
with  muriatic  acid  and  tin-foil,  a  rose-red  solution  is  obtained, 
upon  dilution  with  water,  which  turns  turmeric  paper  orange 
if  the  mineral  is  asschynite.  B.  B.  asschynite  swells  up  and 
becomes  yellow  or  brownish.  Color  of  the  mineral,  black  ; 
streak,  light  brown.  Euxenite  is  not  altered  B.  B.  Its  color 
is  brownish-black  ;  the  streak,  reddish-brown.  Both  possess  a 
fatty,  metal-like  lustre. 

A  very  similar  chemical  compound  is 

Pyrochlore  (from  Miask),  Cb2,Ti,ThCe,Ca,^e,lSTa2,F.  Found 
in  octahedrons.  Color,  brown-red.  Streak,  light  yellow. 

OPAL,  SiO2  -(-  Aq,  in  a  matrass  affords  water.  B.  B.  with 
soda  effervesces  and  forms  a  transparent  glass ;  infusible  by 
itself.  Hardness,  6-6.5  ;  amorphous.  Boiled  in  potassa  liquor 
it  is  mostly,  or  entirely,  dissolved.  The  solution  treated  with 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  sal  ammoniac  throws  down  hydrous 
silicic  acid.  Colorless,  milk-white,  yellow,  brown,  red. 

Xenotime  (phosphate  of  yttrium),  (  Y,Ce)3P2O8.  B.  B.  moist- 
ened with  sulphuric  acid  it  colors  the  flame  feebly  green  ;  in 
phosphorus  salt  it  dissolves  with  difficulty,  forming  a  colorless 
glass.  Hardness,  5. 

(Compare  childrenite,  also  orthoclase,  and  hyalophane.) 

Section  ii. — Hardness,  7,  and  above  7. 

(Compare  of  the  preceding  division  cassiterite,  rutile,  and 
opal,  the  hardness  of  which  approaches  7  closely.) 

QUARTZ  (amethyst,  chalcedony,  jasper,  flintstone,  rock 
crystal),  SiOa.  B.  B.  on  coal,  with  soda,  effervesce  and  fuse 
easily  to  a  transparent  glass  (too  much  soda  must  not  be  added). 
Alone  they  remain  infusible  and  unchanged  in  the  strongest 
heat  of  the  blowpipe.  The  powdered  mineral  fused  with  caus- 
28 


326  MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 

tic  potash  yields,  with  water,  a  more  or  less  complete  solution, 
which,  when  mixed  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  chloride  of 
ammonium,  gives  a  heavy  white  precipitate  of  hydrous  silica. 
Hardness  of  quartz,  7.  Struck  with  a  steel  gives  sparks.  Its 
usual  crystalline  form  is  a  hexagonal  prism,  sometimes  termi- 
nated at  both  ends  by  six-sided  pyramids.  Spec.  grav.  2.5-2.8. 
Crystals  often  as  pellucid  as  glass,  and  colorless  ;  sometimes 
topaz-yellow,  red,  green,  blue,  and  brown  colors  to  black.  In 
some  varieties  the  colors  are  in  bands  or  stripes  (agate). 
Here  belongs 

Tridymite,  a  hexagonal  form  of  silica  with  a  spec.  grav. 
2.2-2.3. 

COKDIERITE  (iolite),  (Mg,Fe)2Al2Si3018. 

STAUROTITE  (staurolite),  H2(Mg,Fe)3Al6Si603i.  Hardness,  7. 
B.  B.  do  not  form  a  transparent  glass  with  soda.  The  former 
is  fusible  at  5-5.5.  Color,  blue  and  grayish-blue.  Spec,  grav., 
2.6.  The  latter  is  infusible.  Color,  brown,  reddish-brown. 
Spec,  grav.,  3.6. 

BERYL  (emerald,  aquamarine,  Smaragd),  Be3AlSi6018. 
EuCLASE,  H2Be2AlSi2010. 
PHENACITE  (Phenakit),  Be3Si. 

ZIRCONITE  (Zirkon),  ZrSiO4.  Their  hardness,  7.5.  B.  B. 
beryl  and  euclase,  at  a  strong  heat,  become  milk-white  and 
rounded  on  the  thin  edges.  Beryl  crystallizes  in  hexagonal 
prisms  ;  cleavage  basal  and  pretty  distinct.  Euclase  crystal- 
lizes in  clino-rhombic  prisms;  is  perfectly  cleavable  in  two 
directions  at  right  angles.  Phenacite  arid  zirconite  B.  B.  are 
unchangeable,  except  that  the  last  loses  its  color.  If  powdered 
zircon  is  fused  with  caustic  potassa,  and  the  mass  boiled  with 
muriatic  acid,  the  diluted  acid  colors  turmeric  paper  orange 
(zirconia).  If  the  HC1  solution  is  evaporated  to  crystallization 
and  the  mass  boiled  with  a  saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of 
potassium,  a  white  precipitate  falls  (zirconia)  ;  both  occur  only 
crystallized.  Phenacite  in  hexagonal  pyramids,  prisms,  or 
rhombohedrons  ;  its  specific  gravity,  2.7  to  3.  Zirconite  in 
quadratic  pyramids  and  prisms.  Specific  gravity,  4.4-4.6. 


MINERALS    WITHOUT    METALLIC    LUSTRE.  327 

TOPAZ*  (topaz,  fluosilicate  of  aluminium,  physalite),  (3tl,Si, 
Fl).  Hardness,  8 ;  crystallizes  in  rhombic  prisms ;  basal 
cleavage  distinct.  The  yellow  varietyf  by  exposure  to  a 
gentle  heat  changes  from  yellow  to  pink  or  pale  crimson,  only 
seen  after  cooling.  If  boracic  acid  is  fused  and  heated  on 
platinum  wire  until  the  flame  ceases  to  be  tinged  with  green, 
the  bead,  upon  the  addition  of  finely  pulverized  topaz,  again 
imparts,  after  continued  blowing,  a  green  color  to  the  flame 
(fluo-boron  gas).  Gives  with  salt  of  phosphorus  in  the  open 
tube  the  fluorine  reaction. 

UWAROWITE  (Ouuarovite,  lime-chrome  garnet),  Ca3€rSi30lr 
Color,  emerald-green.  B.  B.  infusible ;  changes  upon  heating 
to  a  blackish-green,  but  resuming,  upon  cooling,  its  former 
color;  with  borax  it  fuses  to  an  emerald-green  glass.  Hard- 
ness, 7.5-8.  Spec,  grav.,  3.5. 

Spinel  (aluminate  of  magnesium),  (Mg,Fe)(Al,*-'e)04. 

Pleonaste  (ceylonite,  ceylanite,  iron-magnesia  spinel). 

GAIINITE  (zinc  spinel),  (Zn,Mg)(Al,Fe)04. 

CHLOROSPINEL  (magnesia-iron  spinel).  Their  hardness 
7.5-8 ;  they  occur  nearly  always  crystallized  in  octahedrons. 
The  mineral  powder  heated  together  with  phosphoric  acid  in  a 
platinum  crucible  until  volatilization  commences,  produces, 
when  cold,  upon  the  addition  of  water,  an  almost  complete 
solution.  This  solution,  treated  with  an  excess  of  caustic 
potash,  yields  a  copious  white  precipitate  when  the  mineral  is 
spinel.  Chlorospinel  gives  a  yellowish,  pleonast  a  greenish 
precipitate.  The  liquid  filtered  off  from  these  deposits  gives, 
with  sulphide  of  ammonium,  no  precipitate.  Gahnite  gives, 
in  the  phosphoric  acid  solution  with  caustic  potash,  a  slight 
precipitate,  and  the  liquid  portion,  when  filtered  off,  yields  with 
sulphide  of  ammonium  a  greenish-black  deposit,  which  later 

*  According  to  St.  Claire-Deville,  and  Fanque,  topa/,,  and  some 
other  silicates  containing  fluorine,  when  highly  heated  lose  the  fluo- 
rine as  fluoride  of  silicon.  Topaz  thus  loses  23  per  cent,  of  this 
fluoride;  (Dana). 

f  Brazilian  topaz. 


328 


MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 


B.  B.  on  charcoal  gives  a  heavy  coating  of  zinc  oxide.  Spinel 
and  pleonast  in  powder  form  are  B.  B.  rather  easily  soluble  in 
a  bead  of  salt  of  phosphorus.  The  glass  does  not  become 
opalescent  on  cooling.  Gahnite  B.  B.  treated  with  borax  and 
phosphorus  salt  is  nearly  insoluble.  Spinel  has  a  red  or 
bluish  color ;  pleonast  is  black  ;  gahnite  dark-green  ;  chloro- 
spinel  olive-green  and  translucent.  Very  similar  to  gahnite 
are — 

Dysvlite*  and 

Kreittonite*  The  latter  acts  before  ignition  upon  a  delicate 
magnetic  needle.  The  spec.  grav.  of  gahnite,  dysluite,  and 
kreittonite,  4.3-4.6;  that  of  other  spinels,  3.6. 


CARBON  GROUP, 

DIAMOND  (Diamant,Germ.),  C.  Crystallizes  in  the  tesseral 
(isometric,  D.)  system.  In  octahedrons,  dodecahedrons,  and 
more  complex  forms  (Fig.  121).  Faces  often  curved.  Cleav- 

Fig.  121. 


age.  octahedral  and  perfect.  Color,  white  or  colorless,  also 
yellowish,  red,  orange,  green>  blue,  brown,  and  black.  Lustre, 
adamantine.  Transparent;  translucent  when  dark-colored. 
H.  10.  G.  3.5-3.6.  When  rubbed  exhibits  positive  or  vitre- 
ous electricity.  Diamond  consists  of  pure  carbon  ;  it  is  infu- 
sible, and  not  attacked  by  any  acids.  At  a  high  temperature, 
and  in  contact  with  air  (oxygen),  it  is  consumed,  producing 
carbonic  acid  gas,  C02  (carbon  dioxide).  Diamonds  are  dis- 

*  Brush  considers  both  these  as  varieties  of  galmite. 


CARBON    GROUP.  329 

tinguished  by  their  superior  hardness  and  brilliant  reflection  of 
light.  Some  specimens  exposed  to  the  sun  for  a  short  time 
give  out  light  when  carried  to  a  dark  place.  Diamond  strongly 
refracts  and  disperses  light  (sparkles).  No  other  gems,  unless 
they  are  polished,  become  positive  (  -f-  )  electric  when  rubbed. 
It  may  also  be  easily  distinguished  by  the  use  of  a  small 
writing  or  scratching  diamond,  which  fails  to  mark  the  faces 
of  a  real  diamond  when  drawn  lightly  across  them.  The  coarse 
diamonds,  unfit  for  jewelry,  are  called  "bort,"  and  the  kind 
in  black  pebbles  or  masses,  from  Brazil,  "  carbonado."  The 
latter  occur  sometimes  in  pieces  1000  carats*  in  weight;  they 
have  a  spec,  grav.,  3  to  3.42.  Another  kind  is  much  like 
anthracite.  Spec-  grav.  1.06,  although  as  hard  as  diamond 
crystals. 

Goppert  states  that  he  found  algoe-like  plants  inclosed  in 
diamonds. 

They  occur  principally  in  alluvial  soil  and  in  rocks  of  second- 
ary formation  in  the  East  Indies,  Golconda,  and  in  Brazil. 
They  are  also  found  in  the  sands  of  the  rivers  which  have 
their  sources  in  the  Uralian  Mountains  in  Russia.  In  South 
Africa,  where  they  were  first  discovered  in  1867,  they  occur 
in  the  gravel  in  the  Vaal  River.  In  the  United  States  the 
diamond  has  been  met  with  in  North  Carolina,  Georgia, 
Virginia,  Calfornia,  Oregon,  and  Idaho.  The  prevalent  opinion 
is  that  diamond,  like  coal  and  petroleum,  is  of  vegetable  or 
animal  origin. 

Diamonds  are  valued  according  to  their  color,  transparency 
and  size.  The  rose  diamond  is  more  valuable  than  the  pure 
white,  owing  to  the  great  beauty  of  its  color  and  its  rarity. 
The  green  diamond  is  also  much  esteemed.  The  blue  is  prized 

*  A  carat  is  a  conventional  weight,  and  is  divided  into  4  grains, 
which  are  a  little  lighter  than  4  grains  Troy  ;  74^  carat  grains  are 
equal  to  72  Troy  grains.  The  term  carat  is  derived  from  the  name  of 
a  Ix-an  in  Africa,  which  in  a  dried  state  has  long  been  used  in  that 
country  for  weighing  gold.  These  beans  were  early  carried  to  India, 
and  were  employed  there  for  weighing  diamonds. 

28* 


330  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

only  for  its  rarity,  as  the  color  is  seldom  pure.  The  brown, 
gray,  and  yellow  varieties  are  of  much  less  value  than  the  pure 
white  or  limpid  diamond.  The  black  diamond  is  exceedingly 
rare,  but  without  beauty. 

1  carat  (4  grains)  .of  small  diamonds,  employed  for  polishing 
the  larger  ones,  for  cutting  glass,  etc.,  costs  from  $5  to  $6. 

A  polished  diamond  (brilliant)  weighing  1  carat  is  valued  at 
from  $40  to  $50.  The  prices  of  diamonds  increase  to  such  an 
extent  with  their  size  that  a  brilliant  weighing  5  carats  may 
cost  as  much  as  $750  to  $1 000.  The  largest  diamond  at  present 
in  Europe  is  in  the  possession  of  the  Queen  of  Portugal;  it 
weighs  215  carats,  and  is  valued  at  upwards  of  $750,000. 

Mock  diamonds.  "  Bristol  stones,"  "  Irish  diamonds," 
"  Cape  May  diamonds,"  and  u  California  diamonds"  are  skill- 
fully cut  quartz  crystals.  They  are  easily  detected  by  the  file 
and  their  lightness. 


CHAPTER  X. 

CHARACTERISTIC  BEHAVIOR  OF  THE  MOST  IMPORTANT  ORES 
BEFORE  THE  BLOWPIPE  AND  WITH  SOLVENTS.* 

AN  ore  is  a  mineral  compound  in  which  some  metal,  usually  a 
valuable  metal,  forms  a  prominent  constituent.  Although  a  na- 
tive metal  is  in  this  sense  .not  an  ore,  still,  where  a  native  metal 
or  other  valuable  compound  mineral  is  distributed  intimately 
through  the  gangue,  the  mineral  and  gangue  together  constitute, 
in  the  language  of  the  miner,  the  ore  of  the  metal  it  produces. 

The  more  common  ores  are  compounds  of  the  metals  with 
metalloids,  such  as  sulphur,  arsenic,  oxygen,  chlorine,  bromine, 
iodine,  phosphorus,  silicon,  etc. 

*  On  this  subject  the  author  has  made  free  use  of  Elderhorst- 
Nason's  Manual  on  Blowpipe  Analysis  and  Dana's  Manual  of  Mineral- 
ogy and  Lithology,  3d  edit.  New  York,  1881. 


ORES    OF    ANTIMONY.  -  331 

Ores  of  Antimony. 

NATIVE  ANTIMONY — Rhomboheclral.  Color  and  streak, 
tin-white.  Lustre,  metallic.  Brittle. 

Composition:  Antimony,  containing  sometimes  silver,  iron, 
or  arsenic. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  easily,  and  gives  a  white  coating  in 
both  O.  F.  and  R.  F.  If  the  blowing  be  intermitted,  the 
globule  continues  to  glow,  giving  off  white  fumes,  until  it  is 
finally  covered  with  antimonious  oxide,  tinging  the  R.  F. 
bluish-green. 

Stibnite,  gray  antimony,  antimony  sulphide. — Color  and 
streak,  lead-gray.  Lustre,  metallic.  Brittle.  H.  2.  G.  4.5. 
Tri  metric. 

Composition:  Sb2Ss  =  S.  28.2,  Sb.  71.8.  Fuses  in  the 
flame  of  a  candle. 

B.  B.  on  coal  it  is  absorbed,  giving  off  white  fumes  and  a 
sulphurous  odor.  When  pulverized  and  treated  with  caustic 
potassa,  is  rapidly  colored  ochre-yellow,  and  mostly  dissolved. 
The  solution,  when  mixed  with  an  acid,  yields  an  orange- 
colored  precipitate.  When  pure  entirely  soluble  in  hot  HC1, 
with  evolution  of  HaS. 

Berthierite,  (iron  sulphantimonite):  Composition  :  FeSbS 
=  S.  29.12,  Sb.  56.61,  Fe.  10.09,  Mn.  4.9. 

Color,  dark  steel-gray.  Lustre,  metallic,  less  bright  than 
gray  antimony.  H.  2-3.  G.  4.2.  Trimetric.  On  charcoal 
coats  the  coal  with  white  oxide  of  antimony,  and  after  long 
heating  yields  a  magnetic  globule  (iron).  Gives  with  fluxes 
the  iron  reaction.  Easily  dissolved  by  hydrochloric  acid  with 
evolution  of  sulphide  of  hydrogen. 

Kermesite  (red  antimony).  In  tufts  of  cherry»red  capillary 
crystals.  Lustre,  adamantine.  II.  1.5,  G.  4.5.  Monoclinio. 
Streak,  brownish-red. 

Composition:  SbaO3  -f  2Sl>2S3  =  Sb.  75.3,  O.  4.9,  S.  19.8. 
Is  an  antimony  oxide  and  sulphide. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  behaves  like  gray  antimony.     It  dissolves 


002  MINERALOGY  SIMPLIFIED. 

mostly  in  HC1  with  evolution  of  sulphide  of  hydrogen.  The 
powdered  mineral,  when  heated  with  potash  solution,  turns 
yellow  and  dissolves. 

Minerals  containing  antimony  :  allemontite,  valentinite,  senarmon- 
tite,  cervantite,  livingstonite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Arsenic. 

NATIVE  ARSENIC — Rhombohedral.  Color  and  streak,  tin- 
white,  but  usually  dark-grayish  from  tarnish.  Brittle.  II. 
3.5.  G.  5.G.  Hexagonal. 

Composition  :  As,  with  traces  of  Sb,  Ag,  Fe,  Co,  and  Ni. 

B.  B.  volatilizes  readily  before  fusing,  with  the  odor  of 
garlic  ;  also  burns  with  a  pale  bluish  flame  when  heated  just 
below  redness. 

Orpiment,  yellow  arsenic  sulphide.     In  foliated  masses. 

Color  and  streak,  fine  yellow.  Lustre,  brilliant  pearly. 
H.  1.5.  G.  3.4.  Trimetric, 

Composition  :  As2S8  =  S.  39.0,  As.  61.0. 

B.  B.  it  wholly  evaporates  with  an  alliaceous  odor,  and  on 
charcoal  burns  with  a  blue  flame.  Soluble  in  aqua  regia  and 
caustic  potassa. 

Realgar,  red  arsenic  sulphide.  Color,  bright  red  to  orange. 
Lustre,  resinous.  H.  1.5.  M.  3.5.  Monoclinic. 

Composition  :  As8=  S.  29.9,  As.  70.1.  Fuses  readily  and 
volatilizes  like  the  former. 

B.  B.  on  coal  with  soda  in  R.  F.  gives  off  arsenical  fumes, 
burns  with  a  yellowish-white  flame.  Aqua  regia  dissolves  it 
with  difficulty,  sulphur  being  precipitated.  Boiled  with  caustic 
potassa  it  is  decomposed,  leaving  a  brown  powder  (As6S) 
undissolved. 

Arsenolite,  white  arsenic.  Color,  white.  Lustre,  silky. 
II.  1.5.  G.  3.7.  Isometric. 

Composition:  As2O3  — As.  75.8,  O.  24.2  —  100.  Heated 
in  a  tube  gives  a  crystalline  sublimate  octahedrons. 


ORES    OF    BISMUTH.  333 

B.  B.  on  coal  with  soda  gives  a  strong  garlic  odor.  Slightly 
soluble  in  water,  more  so  in  water  acidulated  with  IIC1. 

Minerals  containing  arsenic:  arsenopyrite,  scorodite,  polybasite, 
enargite,  domeykite,  whitneyite,  algodonite,  smaltite,  cobaltite,  uic- 
colite,  pharmacosiderite,  arseniosiderite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Bismuth. 

NATIVE  BISMUTH — Bi.  Color,  reddish-white;  streak, white; 
subject  to  tarnish  :  brittle  when  cold,  but  somewhat  malleable 
when  l.eated.  H.  2.5.  G.  9.7.  Hexagonal. 

Composition:  Pure  bismuth,  with  traces  of  arsenic,  sulphur, 
or  tellurium. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  vaporizes,  and  leaves  a  yellow  coating  on  the 
coal.  Fused  with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium,  coats  the  coal 
with  a  red  sublimate  of  iodide  of  bismuth.  Readily  dissolved 
by  nitric  acid  ;  the  solution  is  precipitated  white  by  water. 

Tetr ad y mite  (telluric  bismuth) — Massive  or  granular.  Lus- 
tre, splendent  metallic.  H.  2. -2. 5.  G.  9.7.  Hexagonal. 
Color,  steel-gray  ;  soils  paper. 

Composition  :  Consists  of  Bi  and  Te,  with  sometimes  S  and 
Se.  General  formula  mostly  Bi2(Te,!S)3  =  Te.  48.1,  Bi.  51.9 
(when  free  of  S).  . 

The  sulphurous  variety  contains  some  5  per  cent,  of  S,  re- 
placing Te. 

In  the  open  tube  yields  a  white  sublimate  of  tellurous  acid, 
which  B.  B.  fuses  to  colorless  drops.  On  coal  fuses,  gives 
white  fumes,  and  entirely  volatilizes;  tinges  the  R.  F.  bluish- 
green  ;  coats  the  coal  at  first  white  (tellurous  oxide),  and  finally 
orange-yellow  (bismuth  oxide).  Fused  together  with  sulphur 
and  iodide  of  potassium,  coats  the  coal  red,  like  native  Bi. 

Bismutite  (  Wismuthspath,  Germ.). — Color,  white,  or  light 
green  ;  streak,  greenish-gray  to  colorless.  Lustre,  vitreous. 
Brittle.  H.  4.  G.  G.9.  In  acicular  crystallizations  (pseudo- 
morphous),  also  incrusting  or  amorphous  ;  pulverulent. 

Composition :  Bi,C,lT[2  —  Carbon  dioxide  6.08,  bismuth 
oxide  89.75,  water  3.87  =  KM). 


334  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

B.  B.  fuses  readily,  and  on  coal  is  reduced  to  Bi,  and  coats 
the  coal  with  yellow  bismuth  oxide.  Fused  with  sulphur  and 
iodide  of  potassium,  behaves  like  bismuth.  Dissolves  in  HC1 
with  effervescence.  The  solution  has  a  yellow  color. 

Bismuthinite  (bismuth  glance} — Color  and  streak,  lead- 
gray,  inclining  to  tin-white.  H.  2.  G.  6.4.  In  acicular  crys- 
tals, also  massive. 

Composition:    BiaS3  =  S.  18.75,  Bi.  81.25. 

In  the  open  tube  yields  sulphurous  fumes,  and  a  white  sub- 
limate which  B.  B.  fuses  into  drops,  brown,  while  hot,  and 
opaque-yellow  on  cooling.  On  charcoal  gives  sulphurous  fumes, 
then  fuses  with  spirting,  and  coats  the  coal  yellow.  When 
fused  with  sulphur  and  iodide  of  potassium  it  behaves  like  Bi. 
Dissolves  in  nitric  acid,  and  water  produces  white  precipitate. 

Bismite  (bismuth  ochre). — Composition  :  Bi203,  contain- 
ing sometimes  traces  of  Fe2Os,  CuO  and  As205.  Occurs  mas- 
sive, earthy.  G.  4.36. 

B.  B.  it  behaves  like  pure  oxide  of  bismuth.  Soluble  in 
HNO3.  Addition  of  H2O  causes  a  white  precipitate. 

Minerals  containing  bismuth  :  maldonite,  josite,  aikinite,  chivia- 
tite,  emplectite,  wittichonite,  englytite,  bismutoferrite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Chromiurrt. 

CHHOMITE  ( CHROMIC  IRON) — Color,  iron-black  ;  streak, 
dark-brown.  Lustre,  submetallic.  II.  5.5.  G.  4.3.  Isometric. 
In  octahedral  crystals  or  massive.  In  small  fragments  attracted 
by  the  magnet.  Possesses  a  less  metallic  lustre  than  other 
black  iron  ores. 

Composition  :  General  formula,  RK04  or  Fe€r04.  Analysis 
gives  FeO.  32,  Cr2O3.  68  =  100.  Only  slightly  attacked  by 
HC1.  B.  B.  infusible  alone.  Imparts  a  beautiful  green  color 
to  the  beads  of  borax  and  salt  of  phosphorus  when  cold.  The 
powdered  mineral,  when  fused  with  caustic  potassa,  forms 
potassium  chroma te. 

The  compounds  of  chromium,  used  extensively  as  pigments. 


ORES    OP    COBALT.  335 

tire  obtained  mostly  from  this  ore,  for  which  reason  it  has  been 
described  here. 

Daubredite  is  a  chromium  sulphide  found  in  some  meteorites. 

Minerals  containing  chromium :  crocoite,  melanochroite,  vanque- 
linite,  walchonskoite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Cobalt. 

Smaltite  (smaltine,  Speis-cobalt,  Germ.) — Color,  tin-white. 
Streak,  grayish-black.  Brittle.  H.  5.5.  G.  6.4.  Isometric. 
Occurs  in  octahedrons,  cubes,  dodecahedrons,  and  massive. 

Composition  :  (CoN5)As2,  the  ore  being  either  a  cobalt 
arsenide  or  cobalt-nickel  arsenide,  and  graduating  into  nickel 
arsenide,  called  chloanthite.  The  cobalt  in  the  ore  may  consti- 
tute 23.5  per  cent.,  or  it  may  be  wholly  absent  in  the  chloan- 
thite. 

In  the  closed  tube  gives  a  sublimate  of  metallic  arsenic  ;  in 
the  open  tube  a  white  sublimate  of  arsenous  oxide,  and  some- 
times traces  of  sulphurous  acid.  B.  B.  on  charcoal  affords  a 
garlic  odor,  fuses  to  a  magnetic  globule,  which,  with  fluxes, gives 
the  indications  of  Fe,  Co,  and  Ni.  Gives  with  HNO3  a  pink 
solution,  As2O3  being  deposited. 

Diff. :  Has  the  white  color  of  mispickel,  but  this  latter  yields 
S  and' As,  and  in  a  closed  tube  affords  arsenic  sulphide,  orpi- 
ment,  and  realgar. 

Cobaltite  (glance  cobalt,  Kobaltglanz,  Germ.) — Crystals  like 
those  of  pyrite,  but  silver-white  in  color  with  a  tinge  of  red, 
or  inclined  to  steel-gray.  Streak,  gray-black.  Brittle.  H. 
5.5.  G.  6-6.3.  Isometric. 

Composition  :  CoS2  -f  CoAs2=  CoAsS  =  As.  4.52  ;  S.  19.3  ; 
Co.  3  ).5  =  100.  Contains  often  much  iron  and  a  little  copper. 

Unaltered  in  the  closed  tube,  but  in  the  open  tube  yields 
sulphurous  fumes  and  a  white  sublimate  of  arsenous  oxide. 
B.  B.  on  coal,  yields  copious  arsenical  and  sulphur  fumes,  and 
fuses  to  a  black  metallic  globule,  which  is  magnetic  ;  with  borax 
a  cobalt-blue  globule. 


336  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Linnaeite  (cobalt  pyrites,  cobalt  sulphide) — Color,  pale 
steel-gray,  tarnishing  copper  red.  Streak,  blackish-gray.  II. 
5.5.'  G.  4.8-5.  Isometric. 

Composition  :  (Co,Ni)8S4  =  S.  42.0  ;  Co.  58.0,  but  having 
the  Co  partly  replaced  by  Ni  or  Cu. 

B.  B.  on  coal  yields  sulphurous  odor  and  a  magnetic  globule, 
often  also  arsenical  fumes. 

Erythrite  (cobalt  bloom,  hydrous  cobalt  arsenate) — Color, 
crimson  or  peach-red,  having  a  cleavage  like  mica.  Lustre  of 
laminae,  pearly;  earthy  varieties  without  lustre.  H.  1.5-2. 
G.  2.9.  Monoclinic.  Valuable  for  the  manufacture  of  smalt. 

Composition  :  Co3O8As2  -f  8Aq  =  arsenic  acid,  38.4  ;  oxide 
of  cobalt,  37.6  ;  water,  24.0. 

B.  B.  on  coal  gives  arsenical  fumes  and  fuses  ;  yields  a  blue 
glass  with  borax  (cobalt). 

Acids  dissolve  it  readily  to  a  rose-colored  liquid.  The  solu- 
tion in  concentrated  HC1  appears  blue  while  hot. 

Asbolite  (black  cobalt  oxide,  earthy  cobalt)  is  a  variety 
of  "  wad"  (see  Manganese  Ores),  containing  cobalt  oxide, 
which  sometimes  amounts  to  32  per  cent. 

Composition  :  MnO2,CoO,CuO,H2O. 

Color,  black.     Lustre,  dull.     H.  2-2.5.     G.  3.1-3.3. 

B.  B.  gives  a  blue  bead  with  salt  of  phosphorus  in  0.  F. 
(cobalt),  and  when  heated  in  R.  F.  on  coal  with  tin  some 
specimens  yield  a  red,  opaque,  copper  bead.  With  soda  on 
platinum  gives  a  manganese  reaction.  Soluble  in  HC1  with 
evolution  of  Cl ;  the  solution  is  usually  blue,  turning  rose-red 
on  addition  of  water. 

Minerals  containing  cobalt :  carrollite,  glaucodot,  chathamite, 
skutterudite,  alloclasite,  bieberite,  roselite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Copper. 

NATIVE  COPPER — Color,  copper-red,  contains  often  a  little 
silver  disseminated  throughout  it.  Ductile  and  malleable. 
H.  2.5-3.  G.  8.84.  Isometric. 


ORES    OF    COPPER.  337 

B.  B.  it  fuses  readily,  and  on  cooling  is  covered  with  black 
oxide.  Dissolves  in  nitric  acid,  and  produces  a  deep  azure- 
blue  solution  on  the  addition  of  ammonia. 

Obs. :  Native  copper  accompanies  the  ores  of  copper,  and 
usually  occurs  in  the  vicinity  of  dykes  of  igneous  rocks. 

Ghalcopyrite  (copper  pyrites). — Color,  brass-yellow,  often 
tarnished  deep  yellow  and  also  iridescent.  Streak,  non-metal- 
lic, greenish-black,  and  but  little  shining.  H.  3.5—4.  G.  4.15— 
4.3.  Tetragonal. 

Composition  :  (CuFe)S2  =  S,  34.tf  ;  Cu,  34.6  ;  iron,  30.5  = 
100. 

B.  B.  fuses  to  a  globule  which  is  magnetic  (Fe).  Gives 
sulphur  fumes  on  coal.  With  soda  on  coal  affords  a  globule  of 
metallic  iron  with  copper.  With  fluxes  the  pulverized  mineral 
after  roasting  gives  the  reaction  of  copper  and  iron.  Moistened 
with  HC1  it  colors  the  flame  blue,  even  previous  to  fusion. 
Dissolves  easily  in  aqua  regia,  less  so  in  nitric  acid. 

Bornite  (varieyated  copper  pyrites,  erubescite).— Color, 
between  copper-red  and  pinchbeck-brown.  Tarnishes  rapidly 
on  exposure.  Streak,  pale  grayish-black,  and  but  slightly 
shining.  Brittle.  H.  3.  G.  5.  Isometric. 

Composition  :  (Cu2Fe)S3  =  S,  28.6  ;  Cu,  55.58  ;  Fe,  16.36, 
but  varies  much. 

B.  B»  on  coal  fuses  to  a  brittle  globule,  attractable  by  the 
magnet.  Dissolves  in  nitric  acid  with  separation. of  sulphur. 

Clialcocite  (copper  gliince).  —  Third  vitreous  copper  ore. 
Color  and  streak,  blackish  lead-gray;  often  tarnished  blue  or 
green  ;  streak  sometimes  shining.  II.  2.5—3.  G.  5.5.  Ortho- 
rhombic. 

Composition  :    Cu2S  =  S,  20.2  ;   copper,  79.8  =  100. 

B.  B.  on  coal  gives  off  fumes  of  sulphur,  fuses  easily  in  the 
exterior  flame,  and  after  the  sulphur  is  driven  off,  a  globule  of 
copper  remains.  Dissolves  in  nitric  Moid,  leaving  a  residue  of 
sulphur. 

Tetrahedrite  (gray  copper,  Fattier z). — Color,  between  steel- 
gray  and  iron-black  ;   streak,  nearly  like  the  color,  sometimes 
29 


338  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

inclined  to  brown  and  cherry-red.  Rather  brittle.  Occurs  in 
tetrahedral  forms.  H.  3-4.5.  G.  4.5-5.  Isometric  (hemi- 
hedral). 

Composition  :  Cu8S7Sb2(=  4Cu2S  +  Sb8S3).  Contains  fre- 
quently iron  and  zinc,  and  sometimes  quicksilver. 

B.  B.  the  roasted  mineral  gives  with  soda  on  charcoal,  after 
long  heating,  a  globule  of  copper.  Heated  in  closed  tube,  fuses 
and  finally  yields  a  dark-red  sublimate  of  tersulphide  of  anti- 
mony, with  antimonious  acid,  and  if  an  excess  of  soda  be  added, 
a  sublimate  of  mercury.  The  nitric  acid  solution  gives  no  pre- 
cipitate with  hydrochloric  acid,  but  usually  the  reaction  of  iron 
and  zinc. 

Domeykite  (arsenical  copper) — Color,  tin-white  to  steel- 
gray,  with  a  yellow  or  iridescent  tarnish.  Lustre,  metallic. 
H.  3-3.5  G.  7-75.  Reniform,  massive,  or  disseminated. 

Composition:    Cu3As  =  As,  28.3;  Cu,  71.7  =  100. 

In  an  open  tube  fuses  and  gives  a  white  crystalline  sublimate 
of  arsenious  oxide.  B.  B.  on  charcoal,  arsenical  fumes  and  a 
malleable  metallic  globule,  which  on  treatment  with  soda  gives 
a  globule  of  pure  copper.  Not  soluble  in  hydrochloric,  but 
soluble  in  nitric  acid. 

Atacamite  (copper  oxy chloride). — Color,  various  shades  of 
bright-green,  sometimes  blackish-green  ;  streak,  apple-green  ; 
translucent.  Lustre,  adamantine,  vitreous.  H.  3-3.5.  G.  3.7. 
Trimetric. 

Composition:  CuCl2  -f  3H2CuO2  =  Cl,  16.64  ;  Cu, 59.45;  O, 
11.25;  water,  12.66  =  100. 

In  the  closed  tube  gives  off  much  water  of  an  acid  reaction, 
and  forms  a  gray  sublimate.  B.  B.  on  coal  fuses,  coloring  the 
O.  F.  azure-blue,  with  a  green  edge,  and  giving  two  coatings, 
one  brownish  and  the  other  grayish-white ;  continued  blowing 
yields  a  globule  of  metallic  copper;  the  coatings  touched  with 
the  R.  F.  volatilize,  coloring  the  flame  azure-blue.  In  acids 
easily  soluble. 

Cuprite  (red  copper  ore,  Rothkupfererz,  Germ.) — Color, 
deep  red,  of  various  shades ;  streak,  brownish-red.  Lustre, 
adamantine  or  submetallic.  Subtransparent ;  brittle.  H.  3.5-4. 


ORES    OF    COPPEK.  339 

G.  .5.8.  Isometric.  In  regular  octahedrons,  and  modified 
forms  of  thii  same  ;  also  massive  and  earthy. 

Composition  :    CuaO  =  O,  11 .2  ;   copper,  88.8  =  100. 

B.  B.  on  coal  yields  a  globule  of  copper.  In  the  forceps  fuses 
and  colors  the  flame  emerald-green  ;  if  previously  moistened 
with  HC1  the  flame  is  momentarily  azure-blue.  With  the 
fluxes  gives  reactions  for  oxide  of  copper.  Soluble  in  cone.  HC1. 

Malachite  (yreen  copper  carbonate) — Color,  light  green  ; 
streak,  paler.  Usually  nearly  opaque  ;  crystals,  translucent. 
H.  3.5-4.  G.  3.7-4.  Monoclinic. 

Composition :  CuaO4C  +  H2O  =  CO2, 1 9.9 ;  CuO,  71 .9 ;  water, 
8.2=:  100.  Dissolves  with  effervescence  in  nitric  acid  (distinc- 
tion from  other  green  ores),  also  in  ammonia. 

B.  B.  Decrepitates  and  blackens,  colors  the  flame  green,  and 
becomes  [tartly  a  black  scoria.  With  borax  it  fuses  to  a  deep- 
green  globule,  and  ultimately  affords  a  bead  of  copper. 

Azurite  (blue  malachite). — Color,  deep  blue.  Streak,  bluish, 
transparent  to  nearly  opaque.  Lustre,  vitreous.  H.  3.5-4. 
G.  3.5-3.8.  Monoclinic. 

Composition  :  Cu3O7C2  +  H2O  =  CO,,  25.6;  CuO,  69.2; 
H2O,  5.2  =  100. 

B.  B.  and  in  acids  like  the  preceding. 

Chalcanthite    (copper    vitriol,    blue    vitriol) Color,  deep 

sky-blue.  Streak,  colorless.  Lustre,  vitreous.  Soluble  in 
water.  Taste,  nauseous  and  metallic.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  2.21. 
Triclinic. 

Composition:  CuSO4  + f>HO  =  SOs,  32.1  ;  CuO,  31.8;  II2O, 
36.1  =•  100. 

B.  1>.  on  coal,  colors  the  outer  flame  green,  fuses,  and  affords 
a  globule  of  copper,  crusted  with  a  coat  of  sulphide.  After 
calcination,  gives,  with  fluxes,  the  reactions  of  copper.  A 
piece  of  polished  iron  introduced  into  the  solution  becomes 
coated  with  copper. 

Olivenite  (hydrous  copper  arsenate). — Color,  usually  olive- 
green.  Streak,  the  same.  Brittle.  II.  3.  G.  1.1-1.1. 
Tri  metric. 


310  MINE  HA  LOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Composition  :  Cn4O9As,=  As,OB,  40.00;  CuO,  f)0.ir>;  water, 
3.19  =  100.  Fuses  easily,  coloring  the  flame  bluish-green. 
B.  B.j  fuses  with  deflagration,  giving  off  arsenical  fumes,  and 
affords  a  little  globule,  which,  with  soda,  yield  metallic  copper. 
Dissolves  in  nitric  acid,  also  in  ammonia. 

Tyrolite    (copper   froth) Color,    verdigris-green    or    pale 

apple-green. 

Composition  :  Cu5As2O10  -f-  11  Aq,  45.2  per  cent,  of  copper. 
A  hydratecl  arsenate  of  copper,  containing  also  calcium  car- 
bonate (as  an  impurity  ?)  H.  1-2.  G.  3.  Tri clinic. 

B.  B.  on  coal,  heated  with  soda  and  borax  until  the  copper 
oxide  is  completely  reduced,  and  the  slag  dissolved  in  HC1, 
a  solution  is  obtained  which  shows  the  presence  of  lime.  Dis- 
solves in  nitric  acid  with  effervescence  ;  also  in  ammonia,  with 
a  blue  color. 

Chrysocolla  (hydrous  copper  silicate). — Usually  as  incrusta- 
tions. Also  in  thin  seams  and  stains.  Color,  bright  green, 
resembling  malachite.  H.  2-4.  G.  2-2.4.  Usually  as  an 
incrustation. 

Composition  :  Cu03Si  +  2Aq.  =  SiO2,  34.2  ;  CuO,  45.3  ; 
H2O,  20.5  =  100. 

B.  B.  it  blackens  in  the  R.  F.,  and  yields  water  without 
melting.  With  soda  on  coal  yields  a  globule  of  copper. 
Heated  in  a  glass  tube,  yields  water  and  blackens.  In  the  for- 
ceps, infusible,  coloring  the  O.  F.  intensely  green.  Borax 
and  salts  of  phosphorus  dissolve  in  it  with  the  usual  reactions 
of  copper.  It  is  decomposed  by  acids,  silica  remaining  behind 
(distinction  from  malachite,  which  is  completely  soluble  with 
effervescence  in  nitric  acid). 

General  remarks.  The  most  valuable  sources  of  copper  for 
the  arts  are  :  native  copper,  chalcopyrite,  or  "  yellow  copper 
ore,"  chalcocite,  or  "  copper  (/lance,"  bornite,  or  u  variegated 
copper  ore,"  malachite,  or  "  green  carbonate  of  copper," 
cJirysocolla,  or  "  silicate,"  cuprite,  or  "  red  oxide  of  copper," 
and  occasionally,  melaconite,  or  "  black  copper." 

Minerals  containing  copper:  Dioptase,  algodonite,  wliitneyite,  en- 
argite,  tenorite  (melaconite). 


ORES  OF  GOLD,  PLATINUM,  ETC.  341 

Ores  of  Gold,  Platinum,  Iridium,  and  Palladium. 

NATIVE  GOLD. — Color  and  streak,  various  shades  of  gold- 
yellow,  becoming  pale  from  alloy  with  silver;  occasionally 
almost  silver-white  from  the  silver  present.  Easily  distin- 
guished by  its  malleability,  its  cutting  like  lead,  its  high  speci- 
fic gravity,  and  its  resistance  to  acid.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  12-20, 
varying  according  to  the  metals  alloyed  with  the  gold.  Fuses 
at  2016°  F.  (1102°  C.).  Isometric. 

Composition  :  Native  gold  usually  contains  silver  in  various 
proportions.  The  finest  native  gold  from  Russia  yielded  gold 
9<S. 90,  silver,  0.16,  copper,  0.3;),  iron,  0  05.  G.  19.0!)9. 

The  following  proportions  of  gold  and  silver  have  been  ob- 
served in  other  varieties  : — 

Gold.  Silver. 

3  to  2 
3J             "               2 

5  "  2 

4  "  1  (most  common). 

6  "  1  (also  frequent). 

Average  of  California  native  gold  is  88  per  cent,  gold,  and 
the  range  mostly  between  87  and  89  ;  the  range  of  the  Cana- 
dian, mostly  between  87  and  89  ;  the  range  of  the  Australian, 
between  90  and  9G  per  cent.  The  Chilian  gold  affords  84  to 
90  per  cent,  of  gold,  and  15-3  per  cent,  of  silver.  The  more 
argentiferous  gold  has  been  called  electrum. 

Gold  resists  the  action  of  heated  concentrated  nitric  acid, 
and  is  soluble  only  in  aqua  rcyia. 

Copper  is  occasionally  found  in  alloy  with  gold,  and  some- 
times also  iron,  bismuth,  palladium,  and  rhodium.  A  rho- 
dium gold  from  Mexico,  gave  the  spec,  gravity  lf>.f>-10.S,  and 
contained  34-43  per  cent,  of  rhodium.  A  bismuth  gold  has 
been  called  maldonite. 

Calaverite  is  a  bronze-yellow  gold  telluride,  AuTe4  =  Te  55.5, 
Au  1  1.5  =  100,  with  a  little  silver,  occurriiiir  massive  at  the 

29* 


MINEIJAUHIY     SIMPLIFIED. 

Stanislaus  mine,  California,  and  the  Red  Cloud  mine,  Colo- 
rado, and  also  the  Keystone  and  Mountain  Lion  mines,  in  the 
Magnolia  district. 

Krennerite  is  another  gold  telluride. 

Sylvan-ite,  or  graphic  tellurium.  A  telluride  of  gold  and 
silver  (Ag,Au)Te3—  (if  Ag  :  Au  ==1:1)  Te,  55.8  ;  Au,  28.5  ; 
Ag,  15.7=100.  Color  and  streak,  steel-gray  to  silver-white, 
and  sometimes  nearly  brass-yellow.  H.  1.5-2.  G.  7.99-8.33. 
Monoclinic.  Called  graphic  because  of  a  resemblance  in  the 
arrangement  of  the  crystals  to  written  characters.  Found  in 
California  and  Colorado.*  In  an  open  glass  tube  yields  a  white 
sublimate,  which,  when  played  upon  by  the  flame,  fuses  to 
transparent  drops.  On  coal  fuses  to  a  dark-gray  globule,  de- 
positing at  the  same  time  a  white  coating,  which  in  the  R.  F. 
disappears,  tinging  the  flame  bluish-green.  Soluble  in  aqua 
regia,  leaving  a  residue  of  chloride  of  silver.  The  solution 
gives  a  white  precipitate  with  water. 

Nagyagite,  or  foliated  tellurium,  is  a  telluride  of  lead  contain- 
ing 9  to  13  per  cent,  of  gold.  (See  Lead  Ores.) 

Petzite  is  a  telluride  of  silver  containing  gold  ;  a  specimen 
from  Golden  Rule  Mine,  Colorado,  contained,  according  to 
Genth,  25.60  per  cent.  (See  Silver  Ores.) 

NATIVE  PLATINUM  (Ft) — Color  and  streak,  pale  or  dark 
steel-gray.  Lustre,  metallic,  shining  like  silver.  Ductile  and 
malleable.  H.  4-4.5.  G.  16-19.  Isometric.  Often  slightly 
magnetic,  and  some  masses  will  take  up  iron  filings.  Usually 
in  flattened  or  angular  grains  or  irregular  masses. 

Composition  :  Flatinum  is  generally  combined  with  more  or 
less  of  the  rare  metals — iridium,  rhodium,  palladium,  and 
osmium — besides  copper  and  iron,  jyhich  give  it  a  darker  color 
than  belongs  to  the  pure  metal.  A  Russian  specimen  afforded 
Pt,  78.9;  Ir,  5.0;  Os  and  Ir,  1.9;  Rh,  0.9;  Pel,  0.3;  Cu, 
0.7;  Fe.  11.0  =  98.75. 

*  Consult  James  D.  Dana's  Manual  of  Mineralogy  and  Lithology, 
3d  ed.  New  York,  18S1,  p.  10!). 


OIJKS    OK    IROX.  343 

It  is  one  of  the  most  infusible  substances  known.  It  is 
wholly  unaltered  before  the  blowpipe  or  by  fluxes.  Soluble  only 
in  heated  aqua  regia.  The  solution  gives  a  yellow  granular 
precipitate  with  chloride  of  potassium.  Platinum  fuses  readily 
before  the  oxy-hydrogen  blowpipe; 

Platin-irldinm — Grains  of  iridium  have  been  found  in 
Russia,  consisting  of  76.8  iridium,  and  19.64  platinum,  with 
some  palladium  and  copper.  A  specimen  from  Brazil  con- 
tained 27.8  iridium,  55.5  Pt,  and  6.9  Rh. 

Osmium  (iridium,  iridosrnine}, — A  compound  of  Ir  and  Os 
from  the  platinum  mines  of  Russia,  South  America,  the  East 
Indies,  and  California.  The  crystals  are  pale  steel-gray  hexa- 
gonal prisms,  usually  found  in  flat  grains.  II.  6.7.  G.  19.5- 
21.  Hexagonal.  Slightly  malleable. 

Composition  variable.  One  variety,  called  newjanskite, 
contains  Ir,  46.8;  Os,  49.3;  Rh,  3.2;  Fe,  0.7.  Another, 
sisserskite^  Ir,  25.1  ;  Os,  74.9.  The  grains  are  distinguished 
from  those  of  platinum  by  their  superior  hardness.  Iridosmine 
is  common  in  the  gold  of  Northern  California,  and  injures 
its  quality  for  jewelry. 

B.  B.  infusible.  When  heated  with  nitre  in  a  glass  tube  the 
characteristic  osmium  odor  is  produced.  The  fused  mass  is 
soluble  in  water;  the  solution  gives,  on  addition  of  nitric  acid, 
a  green  precipitate.  Not  visibly  affected  by  any  acid. 

Palladium Color,  steel-gray,  inclining  to  silver-white. 

Ductile  and  malleable.  H.  4.5-5.  G.  lT.3-12.2.  Isometric. 

Consists  of  Pd  with  some  Pt  and  Ir. 

Fuses  with  sulphur,  but  not  alone.  In  hardness  it  is  equal 
to  fine  steel. 

Selenpalladite  or  allopalladium  is  native  pa'.ladium  in  hexa- 
gonal tables  from  the  Hartz  Mountains. 

Torpezite  is  gold  containing  about  10  per  cent,  of  palladium. 

Ores  of  Iron. 

Iron  occurs  native,  and  alloyed  with  variable  quantities  of 
nickel  in  meteoric  iron.  Its  ores  arc  very  widely  disseminated. 


344  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  iron  carbonate  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  and  valuable 
ores.  The  spec.  grav.  of  the  ordinary  workable  ores  seldom 
exceeds  o.  They  are  of  difficult  fusibility  before  the  blowpipe, 
and  nearly  all  minerals  containing  iron  are  attracted  by  the 
magnet,  either  before  or  after  heating. 

NATIVE  IRON. — Color  and  streak,  iron-gray.  Fracture, 
hackly.  Malleable  and  ductile.  H.  4.5.  G.  7.3-7.8.  Acts 
strongly  on  the  magnet.  It  occurs  usually  massive,  dissemi- 
nated in  igneous  rocks  in  grains,  or  is  found  in  very  large 
masses  weighing  over  a  tori  (meteoric). 

MKTEORIC  IRON.  —  It  contains  from  1  to  20  per  cent,  of 
nickel,  with  traces  of  Co,  Cu,  Mn,  Sn,  Cr,  P,  S,  Cl,  C. 

Color,  iron-gray.  Lustre,  metallic.  It  possesses  often  a 
very  broad  crystalline  structure,  long  lines  and  triangular 
figures  being  developed  by  putting  nitric  acid  on  a  polished 
surface.  Nodules  of  troilite  (FeS)  and  schreibersite  (FeP) 
are  common  constituents  of  iron  meteorites.  Meteoric  iron 
may  be  worked  like  ordinary  malleable  iron.  The  nickel 
diminishes  the  tendency  to  rust. 

To  detect  the  presence  of  the  other  heavy  metals,  the  assay- 
piece  must  be  dissolved  in  aqua  regia,  the  liquid  mixed  with 
an  excess  of  ammonia,  filtered,  and  the  ammoniacal  filtrate 
precipitated  with  sulphide  of  ammonium  (NH4)aS.  The  pre- 
cipitate consists  of  sulphides  of  nickel,  cobalt,  manganese,  and 
copper,  which  may  be  collected  on  a  filter,  and  treated  with 
borax  on  coal  in  the  reduction  flame  until  all  volatile  substances 
are  expelled,  the  remaining  mass  powdered  in  an  agate  mortar, 
the  powder  well  calcined,  and  the  calcined  mass  treated  with 
borax  on  coal  in  the  O.  F.  If  Co  is  the  only  coloring  metal 
present,  the  bead  will  exhibit  a  pure  blue  color,  a  small  quan- 
tity of  iron  will  make  the  glass  appear  green  while  hot,  but 
blue  when  cold.  Cu  and  Ni,  when  present  to  some  extent, 
will  interfere  with  the  blue  cobalt  color.  The  bead  in  this 
case  exposed  to  the  R.  F.  until  it  appears  transparent,  and 
flows  quietly.  The  oxides  of  copper  and  nickel  are  by  this 


OHKS    OF     IKON.  M  I.") 

menus  reduced,  and  the  pure  color  of  cobalt  or  that  of  cobalt 
mixed  with  iron  becomes  distinct. 

Limonite  (brown  hematite) — Color,  dark  brown  and  black 
to  ochre-yellow  ;  streak,  yellowish-brown  to  dull  yellow.  Lus- 
tre, sometimes  submetallic,  often  dull  and  earthy.  H.  5-5.5. 
G.  3.6-4.  Usually  massive  and  often  in  mammillary  or  sta- 
lactitic  forms. 

The  following  are  the  principal  varieties  : — 

Brown  lematite — The  botryoidal,  stalactitic,  and  associated 
compact  forms. 

Brown  ochre,  yellow  ochre Earthy  ochreous  varieties  of 

a  brown  or  yellow  color. 

Brown  and  yellow  clay  ironstone Impure  ore,  hard  and 

compact,  of  a  brown  or  yellow  color. 

P.og  iron  ore — A  loose,  earthy  ore  of  a  brownish-black 
color,  occuring  in  low  grounds. 

Composition  :  *WI6(  ==  2Pe03  -f  2H20)  =  Fe203.  85.6,  H20 14.4 
=  100  ;  or  it  is  a  hydrous  iron  sesqiiioxide,  containing,  when 
pure,  about  two-thirds  its  weight  of  pure  iron. 

"B.  B.  blackens  and  becomes  magnetic  ;  with  borax  in  the 
outer  flame,  a  yellow  glass.  In  a  matrass  yields  water,  and 
red  scsquioxide  remains  ;  the  clayey  varieties  treated  with  salt 
of  phosphorus  gives  a  cloud  of  undissolved  SiO2 ;  treated  with 
soda  and  nitre  on  platinum-foil,  the  manganese  reaction  is 
almost  always  obtained. 

Bog  ores  usually  obtain  much  P,  from  organic  sources. 

Gothite  (pyrosiderite,  Lepidokrokit),  is  another  iron  hy- 
drate, often  in  prismatic  crystals,  as  well  as  fibrous  and  mas- 
sive, of  the  formula  Fe04H.2(=  Fe03+  H20),  and  G.  4:0-4.4.  Or- 
thorhombic. 

Turgite  has  the  formula,  *V/)7II2  =  2Fe03  -f  H20.  H.  5-6.  G. 
3.5-4.  Xanthosiderite  and  limnite  are  other  related  hydrates. 

Hematite  (ipecHlat  iron,  iron  sesqui oxide)  — Color,  dark, 
steel-gray  or  iron-black,  and  often  when  crystallixiul  having  a 
highly  splendent  lustre  (from  Elba,  St.  ( Jothard,  etc.)  ;  streak, 
powder  cherry-red  to  brown.  II.  5.5-0.5  (of  crystals)  G. 


840  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

4.5-5.3.  Hexagonal  varieties  :  Crystallizes  in  complex  modi- 
fications of  a  rhombohedron  ;  also,  massive,  granular,  or  mica- 
ceous. 

Specular  iron. — Having  a  perfectly  metallic  lustre. 

Micaceous  iron — Structure  foliated. 

Red  hematite.  —  Submetallic,  or  non-metallic,  and  of  a 
brownish-red  color. 

Red  ochre Soft  and  earthy,  and  often  containing  clay. 

Red  chalk — More  firm  and  compact  than  red  ochre,  and  of 
a  fine  texture. 

Jaspery  clay-iron. — A  hard,  impure,  silicious  clayey  ore, 
having  a  brownish-red,  jaspery  look  and  compactness. 

Clay  ironstone — The  same  as  the  last ;  the  color  and  ap- 
pearance less  like  jasper.  But  this  is  one  variety  only  of  what 
is  called  clay  iron,  "  clay  ironstone,'/  a  name  including  also  a 
related  variety  of  siderite  and  limonite. 

Lenticular  argillaceous  ore — A  red  ore,  consisting  of  small, 
flattened  grains. 

Martite  is  a  hematite  in  octahedrons,  derived,  it  is  supposed, 
from  the  oxidation  of  magnetite. 

Composition  :    Fe03  =  0,  30  ;  Fe,  70  =  100. 

B.  B.  Infusible  alone.  Heated  in  the  inner  flame  it  be- 
comes strongly  magnetic,  and  gives  the  usual  indications  of 
iron  with  the  fluxes.  It  dissolves  in  HC1.  Contains  some- 
times chromium  and  titanium. 

Diff.  The  red  streak  and  the  magnetism  produced  in  the 
R.  F.  distinguish  hematite  (blood-stone)  from  all  other  ores. 

Magnetite  (magnetic  iron  ore). — Color,  iron-black  ;  streak, 
black.  Brittle.  H.  5.5-6.5.  G.  5.0-5.1.  Isometric.  Strongly 
attracted  by  the  magnet,  and  sometimes  showing  polarity. 
Often  in  octahedrons  and  dodecahedrons,  also  granularly  mas- 
sive. 

Composition  :    Fe£e04  =  FeO  -f  Fe03=  0,  27.6  ;  Fe,  72.4  =  100. 

B.  B.  infusible,  and  gives  the  usual  reactions  of  iron  with 
the  fluxes,  e.  g.,  with  borax  in  the  outer  flame,  a  yellow  glass. 

DifF.    The  black  streak  and  strong  magnetism  distinguish  it 


ORES    OF    IKON.  347 

from  other  species.  It  constitutes  what  are  called  loadstones, 
or  native  magnets. 

Pyrite  (iron  pyrites,  iron  bisulphide). — Color,  bronze-yel- 
low ;  streak,  brownish-black.  Lustre  of  crystals  often  splen- 
dent metallic.  Brittle.  H.  6-G.5.  G.  4-8.5,  being  hard 
enough  to  strike  fire  with  steel.  G.  4.8-5.1.  Isometric. 
Usually  in  cubes,  the  strice  of  one  face  at  right  angles  with 
those  of  the  adjoining  faces. 

Composition  :  FeS2  =  S,  53.3 ;  Fe,  46.7  -f  100.  Pyrite  often 
contains  a  minute  quantity  of  gold. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  gives  off  sulphur,  and  ultimately  affords  a 
globule  attractable  by  the  magnet. 

Heated  in  a  closed  tube,  it  usually  evolves  SH2,  and  yields  a 
sublimate  of  S  ;  the  residue  is  attracted  by  the  magnet.  But 
slightly  affected  by  HC1  ;  HNO3  dissolves  it,  leaving  a  residue 
of  S. 

Marcasite  (white  iron  pyrites') — Color,  usually  light  bronze- 
yellow,  sometimes  inclined  to  green  or  gray.  H.  6-6.5.  G. 
4.6-4.85.  Trimetric.  Occurs  frequently  in  radiated  masses. 
Very  liable  to  decomposition. 

Composition,  FeS3. 

B.  B.  like  the  preceding. 

Pyrrhotite  (magnetic  pyrites,  iron  sulphide). — Color,  be- 
tween bronze-yellow  and  copper-red ;  streak,  dark  grayish- 
black.  Brittle.  H.  3.5-4.5.  G.  4.4-4.65.  Hexagonal. 
slightly  attracted  by  the  magnet. 

Composition  :  Fe?S8  =  S,  39.5 ;  Fe,  00.5.  Contains  sometimes 
from  3  to  5  per  cent,  of  nickel. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  in  the  O.  F.  converted  into  red  oxide  of 
iron.  In  the  R.  F.  it  fuses  and  glows,  and  yields  a  black  glo- 
bule which  is  magnetic,  and  has  a  yellow  color  on  a  surface  of 
fracture. 

Heated  in  a  matrass,  it  remains  unchanged;  in  the  open 
tube,  evolves  SOa,  but  yields  no  sublimate. 

Soluble  in  IIC1,  exceping  the  S,  with  evolution  of  IT2S.    . 

Ditf.      From  common  iron  pyrites,  which  it  n.-si-mbh:s,  it  is 


348  -     MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

distinguished  by  its  inferior  hardness  and  its  magnetic  quality; 
and  from  chalcopyrite  or  copper  pyrites,  by  its  paleness  of 
color. 

Arsenopyrite    (.mispickety Color,    silver-white.       Streak, 

dark  grayish-black.  Lustre,  shining.  Brittle.  H.  5.5-6.  G. 
6.3.  Trimetric.  Occurs  in  rhombic  prisms  and  also  massive. 

Composition:  FeAsS  =  As,  46.0  ;  S,  19.6  ;  Fe,  34.4  =  100. 

Danaite,  a  cobaltic  variety  found  in  New  Hampshire,  con- 
sists of  As,  41.4 ;  S,  17.8  ;  Fe,  32.9  ;  Co,  6.5. 

B.  B.  affords  fumes  of  As  and  a  globule  of  iron  sulphide, 
which  is  attracted  by  the  magnet. 

Heated  in  a  matrass,  yields  first  a  red  sublimate  of  arsenic 
sulphide,  and  afterwards  a  black  crystalline  one  of  metallic  As. 
Gives  fire  with  a  steel  and  emits  a  garlic  odor. 

Soluble  in  HNO3  and  aqua  regia,  leaving  a  residue  of  S,  and 
As2O6,  which  dissolve  by  continued  digestion. 

Diff.  Resembles  arsenical  cobalt,  but  is  much  harder  and 
yields  a  magnetic  globule,  and  does  not  afford  the  cobalt  reac- 
tion with  fluxes. 

Scorodite. — Color,  pale  leek-green  or  liver-brown.  Streak, 
uncolored.  Lustre,  vitreous.  H.  3.5-4.  G.  3.1-3.3.  Tri- 
metric. Crystallizes  in  rhombic  prisms. 

Composition  :  PeAs,08  -f-  4Aq.  A  hydrous  arsenate  of  iron, 
containing  As2O.,  49.8  ;  FeaO8,  34.6  ;  H20,  15.6  =  100. 

B.  B.  fuses  easily,  coloring  the  flaiie  blue,  P2O5.  On  char- 
coal gives  arsenical  fumes,  and  with  soda  a  black  magnetic 
scoria.  With  the  fluxes  reacts  for  iron. 

In  a  matrass,  yields  pure  water  and  turns  yellow. 

Not  affected  by  HNO3;  forms  a  brown  solution  with  HC1. 

Iron  sinter  is  an  amorphous  form  of  the  same  mineral. 

Menaccanite  (titaniferoas  iron,  ilmenite,  titanic  iron,  wash- 
ingtonite) — Color,  iron-black.  Streak,  submetallic.  Lustre, 
metallic  or  submetallic.  H.  5.6.  G.  4.5-5.  Hexagonal.  Acts 
slightly  on  the  magnetic  -needle. 

Composition:    (Ti,Fe)2O3,  or  Ti03  and    FeaO3  in  variable 


ORES    OF    IRON.  349 

proportions.     It  is  a  hematite,  in  which  a  part  of  the  iron  is 
replaced  by  Ti. 

B.  B.  alone  infusible.  With  borax  and  salt  of  phosphorus  in 
O.  F.,  gives  the  reactions  of  pure  oxide  of  iron  ;  but  the  salt,  of 
phosphorus  bead,  when  treated  with  the  R.  F.,  assumes  a 
brownish-red  color,  the  intensity  of  which  depends  upon  the 
amount  of  TiO3  present ;  this  glass,  when  treated  with  tin  on 
charcoal,  turns  violet. 

Diff.     It  resembles  specular  iron,  but  gives  no  red  powder. 

It  is  of  no  value  in  the  arts,  and  forms  a  deleterious  consti- 
tuent of  many  iron  ores. 

Siderite  (spathic  iron,  iron  carbonate) Color,  light-gray- 
ish to  brown  ;  often  dark  brownish-red  ;  crystallizes  in  rhom- 
bohedrons  with  distinct  cleavage.  Usually  massive.  H.  3-4.5. 
G.  3.7-3.9.  Hexagonal.  Streak,  uncolored. 

Composition:  FeO3C  =  C02,  37.9  ;  FeO,  62.1=100.  Con- 
tains frequently  some  manganese  oxide  or  magnesia,  and  lime 
replacing  part  of  the  iron  protoxide. 

B.  B.  it  blackens  and  becomes  magnetic ;  but  alone  it  is 
infusible.  With  borax  and  salt  of  phosphorus  it  gives  the 
pure  iron  reactions,  and  with  soda  and  a  little  nitre  sometimes 
the  green  manganese  reaction.  It  dissolves  in  heated  HC1 
with  effervescence. 

Diff.  This  mineral,  called  spathic  iron,  because  it  has  the 
aspect  of  a  spar,  cleaves  like  calcite  and  dolomite,  but  it  has  a 
much  higher  spec,  gravity.  Heated  in  a  close  glass  tube,  it 
gives  off  CO2  and  becomes  magnetic,  which  distinguishes  it 
from  other  iron  ores. 

Melanterite  (copperas,  green  vitriol] — Color,  greenish  to 
white.  Lustre,  vitreous.  Taste,  astringent  and  metallic.  Be- 
comes yellowish  (oxidizes)  when  exposed  to  the  air.  H.  2. 
G.  1.83.  Monoclinic. 

Composition  :  FeO4S  -f  7Aq  =  SO3,  28.8  ;  FeO,  25.9,  11,0 
45.2  =  100. 

U.  B.  becomes  magnetic,  yields  glass  with  borax. 
30 


350  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

In  a  matrass  gives  off  SO2  and  H2O,  which  shows  acid  reac- 
tion. Strongly  heated,  only  Fe2O3  remains.  Soluble  in  water. 

Vivianite  {hydrous  iron  phosphate) — Color,  deep  blue  to 
green.  Streak,  bluish.  Lustre,  pearly.  H.  1.5-2.  G. 
2.66.  Monoclinic.  Crystallized,  or  in  reniform  and  globular 
masses. 

Composition:  Fe3O8P2  +  8Aq  =  P2O5,  28.3;  FeO,  43.0; 
H2O,  28.7  =  100. 

B.  B.  fuses  easily  to  a  magnetic  globule,  coloring  the  outer 
flame  greenish-blue  (P2O5).  In  the  forceps  the  coloring  becomes 
very  perceptible.  In  a  matrass,  swells  and  gives  pure  water. 
Easily  soluble  in  HC1  and  HN03.  A  solution  of  HKO 
blackens  it. 

Franklinite — Color,  iron-black.  Streak,  dark  reddish- 
brown.  Brittle.  H.  5.5-6.5.  G.  4'.85-5.1.  Isometric.  Usu- 
ally attracted  by  the  magnet.  In  octahedral  and  dodeeahedral 
crystals.  Also  coarse,  granular,  massive. 

Composition  :  General  formula  like  that  of  magnetite,  R  B04, 
but  having  zinc  and  manganese  replacing  part  of  the  iron,  as 
indicated  in  the  formula  (Fe,Zn,Mn)  (3?e,Mn)04.  A  common 
variety  corresponds  to  Fe2O3,  67.6  ;  FeO,  5.8  ;  ZnO,  6.9  ;  MnO, 
9.7  =  100. 

B.  B.  with  soda  on  charcoal,  a  zinc  coating  is  obtained.  A 
soda  bead  in^the  outer  flame  is  colored  green  by  manganese. 
The  addition  of  a  little  saltpetre  and  soda  to  the  powdered  min- 
eral, and  heating  the  mixture  on  platinum  foil  over  a  Bunsen 
burner,  facilitates  the  production  of  a  green  mass.  Soluble  in 
HC1,  with  evolution  of  a  little  chlorine. 

Diff.  Resembles  magnetic  iron,  but  is  of  a  more  decided 
black  color,  and  the  streak  is  a  reddish-brown.  Found  abun- 
dantly in  New  Jersey. 

Ores  of  Lead. 

NATIVE  LEAD — A  rare  mineral,  occurring  in  thin  lamina? 
or  globules.  G.  11.35. 

Galenite  (galena,  lead  sulphide). — Color  and  streak,  lead- 


ORES    OF    LEAD.  3 5  1 

graj  .  Lustre,  shining  metallic.  Fragile.  II.  '2. it.  G.  7.V5-7.7. 
Isometric.  Cleavage,  cubic,  and  easily  obtained. 

Composition  :  PbS  =  S,  13.4;  Pb,  86.6  =  100.  Often  con- 
tains  some  silver  sulphide,  and  at  times  zinc  sulphide. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal,  it  decrepitates,  unless  heated  with  cau- 
tion, and  fuses,  giving  off  sulphur,  coats  the  coal  yellow,  and 
finally  yields  a  globule  of  lead.  It  dissolves  with  difficulty  in 
boiling  HC1  with  evolution  of  H2S.  .  Concentrated  HNO3  dis- 
solves it  with  evolution  of  red  nitrous  acid  vapor. 

Biff.  Galena  resembles  some  silver  and  copper  ores  in  color, 
but  its  cubical  cleavage,  or  granular  structure  when  massive, 
will  distinguish  it.  Its  reactions  B.  B.  show  it  to  be  a  lead 
ore,  and  a  sulphide. 

The  lead  of  commerce  is  obtained  from  this  ore.  It  is  also 
employed  in  glazing  common  stoneware. 

Ilournonite  (R'ddelerz,  Germ.,  wheel  ore). — Color  and  streak*, 
steel-gray.  Lustre,  metallic.  Brittle.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  5.7-0.1). 
Trimetric.  Occurs  crystallized  and  massive,  granular,  compact. 

Composition  :  Variable,  CuPbSbS3.  Ramrnelsb.  (or  3RS  -j- 
Sb8S3,  with'SRS.  =  2PbS4-CuaS)  =  S,  19.6;  Sb,  25.0;  Pb, 
42.4;  Cu,  13.0=  100. 

In  the  closed  tube  decrepitates,  and  gives  a  dark-red  subli- 
mate. In  the  open  tube,  gives  sulphurous  acid,  and  a  white 
sublimate  of  antimonous  oxide.  B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  easily, 
and  at  first  coats  the  coal  white,  from  antimonious  oxide  ;  con- 
tinued blowing  gives  a  yellow  coating  of  lead  oxide  ;  the  resi- 
due, treated  with  soda  in  R.  F.,  gives  a  globule  of  copper. 

Decomposed  by  nitric  acid,  affording  a  blue  solution,  and 
leaving  a  residue  of  sulphur,  and  a  white  powder,  containing 
antimony  and  lead. 

The  following  antimonial  and  arsenical  sulphides  of  lead 
behave  B.  B.  in  a  similar' manner. 

These  ores  include  :  surtorite,  zinkenite,  p1nyionite,  janu'- 
stmiti'i  dtifrenoysite,  bon,/itnf/crifi\  ko/ic/fifc,  nn'n.cf//iiin'fc^  </<•»- 
rro/t/fc;  also,  hnujniiirditc^  and  freteslebeuifi1,  in  which  silvrr 


352  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

is  present,  and  stylolypite  .and  ct\kemite9  in  which  copper  is 
present. 

Those  minerals  in  which  a  part  of  the  SbS3  is  substituted  by 
As$3,  afford  on  charcoal  arsenical  vapors,  and  in  the  open 
tube  a  crystalline  sublimate. 

Cerussite  (white  lead  ore,  lead  carbonate) — Color,  white, 
yellow,  or  gray.  Lustre,  adamantine.  H.  3-3.5.  G.  6.46- 
6.48.  Trimetric.  Occurs  in  modified  right  rhombic  prisms  ; 
also  massive,  rarely  fibrous. 

Composition  ;    PbO3C  =  CO2,  16.5  ;  PbO,  83.5  =  100. 

B.  B.  decrepitates,  fuses,  and,  by  careful  blowing,  affords  on 
charcoal  a  globule  of  lead.  Treated  with  fluxes,  dissolves  with 
effervescence,  and  gives  the  reactions  of  pure  lead  oxide.  Dis- 
solves readily  with  effervescence  in  dilute  HNO3;  with  HC1 
leaves  a  white  residue  of  lead  chloride  ;  dissolves  in  a  solution 
of  KHO.  Associated  usually  with  galena. 

Anglesite  (lead  sulphate). — Color,  white,  or  slightly  gray 
or  green.  Lustre,  adamantine.  H.  2.75-3.  G.  6.1-6.4.  Tri- 
metric. Occurs  in  rhombic  prisms,  and  other  forms  ;  often  in 
laminar  masses. 

Composition  :  PbSO4,  affording  about  73  per  cent,  of  oxide 
of  lead. 

B.  B.  fuses  in  the  flame  of  a  candle,  and  on  coal  yields  lead 
with  soda.  The  soda  is  absorbed  by  the  coal,  and  shows  on 
silver-foil,  or  a  coin,  a  strony  sulphur  reaction.  With  great 
difficulty  dissolved  by  acids.  The  powdered  mineral  is  soluble 
in  caustic  potassa  solution. 

Minium  (oxide  of  lead,  Mennige,  Germ.). — Pulverulent. 
Color,  bright  red  tinged  with  yellow.  G.  4.6. 

Composition-:  Pb3O4PbO2-|- 2PbO.  Usually  associated  with 
galena. 

B.  B.  affords  globules  of  lead  in  R.  F.  With  HC1  evolves 
chlorine,  and  is  converted  into  lead  chloride. 

Massicot  (plumbic  ochre,  Bleiglatte,  Germ.)  — Color,  yellow. 

Composed  of  lead  protoxide,  PbO;    but  generally  impure. 

B.  B.  behaves  like  oxide  of  lead. 


ORES    OF    LEAD.  ;}."i;i 

Phunbogummite  (fileigtrmmi),  —  Contains  Al8Os,Pb,H2O, 
P2O5,  in  globular  forms,  having  a  lustre  like  gum  arabic,  and  a 
yellowish  or  reddish-brown  color.  H.  4-4.5.  G.  6.3-6.4. 

Crocoite  (crocoisite,  lead  ckromate,  Rothbleierz,  Germ.) 

Color,  bright  red;  streak,  orange-yellow.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  5.9-61. 
Monoclinic.  Occurs  in  oblique  rhombic  prisms  and  massive. 

Composition  :    PbO4Cr=  CrO,,  31.1  ;  PbO,  68.9  =  100. 

B.  B.  fuses  at  1.5,  and  on  coal  is  reduced  to  metallic  lead 
with  deflagration,  leaving  a  residue  of  chromic  oxide,  and  giv- 
ing a  lead  coating.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  gives  an  emerald- 
green  bead  in  both  flames.  Heated  in  a  matrass,  decrepitates, 
blackens,  but  recovers  its  original  color  on  cooling.  Fused 
with  potassium  bisulphate  in  the  platinum  spoon,  forms  a  dark 
violet  mass,  which  on  solidifying  becomes  reddish,  and  when 
cold,  greenish-white,  thus  differing  from  vanadanite,  which  on 
similar  treatment  gives  a  yellow  mass.  (Plattner.) 

VAUQUELINITE. — A  lead  and  copper  chromate,  of  a  very  dark  green 
or  pearly-black  color,  occurring  usually  in  minute,  irregularly  aggre- 
gated crystals;  also,  reniform  and  massive.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  5.5-5.8. 
Monoclinic. 

Composition  :  Pb2CuO209.  The  formula  requires  :  Cr03,  27.6  ;  PbO, 
61.5;  CuO,  10.9=100. 

B.  B.  on  coal  slightly  iiituinesces,  and  fuses  to  a  gray  submetallic 
globule,  yielding  at  the  same  time  small  globules  of  metal.  With 
borax  or  salt  of  phosphorus  affords  a  green  transparent  glass  in  the 
outer  flame,  which  in  the  inner,  after  cooling,  is  red  to  black,  accord- 
ing to  the  amount  of  mineral  in  the  assay  ;  the  red  color  is  more  dis- 
tinct with  tin.  Partly  soluble  in  HN03  to  a  dark  green  liquid;  the 
residue  is  yellow. 

Slolzite  or  lead  tungstate. — In  square  octahedrons  or  prisms.  Color, 
given,  gray,  brown,  or  red.  Lustre,  resinous.  H.  2.5-3.  G.  7.9-8. ]. 

Composition  :    PbW04=  W03,  51  ;  PbO,  49  =  100. 

\Viilfanite  (lead  molyhdate,  Gelbbleierz,  Germ.)  In  dull  yellow 
octahedral  crystals,  and  also  massive.  Lustre,  resinous  or  adaman- 
tine. H.  2.75-3.  G.  6.03-7.01.  Dimetric;  brittle. 

Composition  :  PbM04  =  M03,  38.5  ;  PbO,  61.5  =  100.  Some  varieties 
contain  chromium. 

B.  B.  decrepitates  and  fuses  below  2  ;  with  borax  in  0.  F.  gives  a 
colorless  glass,  in  R.  F.  it  becomes  opaque.  Mack,  or  dirty  green,  with 

30* 


354  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

black  flakes.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  in  0.  F.  gives  a  yellowish- 
green  glass,  which  in  R.  F.  becomes  dark  green.  With  soda  on  char- 
coal yields  metallic  lead.  Decomposed  on  evaporation  with  HC1,  with 
the  formation  of  PbCl  and  Mo03 ;  on  moistening  the  residue  with 
water,  and  adding  metallic  zinc,  it  gives  an  intense  blue  color,  which 
does  not  fade  on  dilution  of  the  liquid. 

'Lanarkite,  PbSO4  -f  PbO.  The  formula  requires  PbSO4, 

57.6;  PbO,  42.4  =  100.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  6.3 Color,  pale 

yellow.  Monoclinic. 

LeadhiWte,  PbS04  -f  3PbCO3  =  PbSO4,  27.45;  PbC03, 
72. 55  =  100.  Recent  analyses  show  the  presence  of  some 
water.  H.  2.5.  G.  6.26-6.44.  Orthorhombic.  Lustre,  pearly. 
Color,  white,  passing  into  yellow,  green,  or  gray.  Streak, 
uncolored. 

B.  B.  intumesces,  fuses  at  1.5.  and  turns  yellow,  but  white 
on  cooling.  Easily  reduced  on  charcoal.  With  soda  affords 
the  reaction  for  sulphuric  acid.  Dissolves  in  HNO3  with 
effervescence,  leaving  a  white  residue  of  lead  sulphate. 

Fhosgemte,  or  corneous  lead.  PbC03  -f  PbCl2  73.8,  Pb. 
H.  2.75-4.  G.  6-6.31.  Dimetric.  Occurring  in  whitish 
adamantine  crystals.  Streak,  white. 

B.  B.  fuses  readily,  emits  acid  vapors,  becomes  reduced  to 
metallic  lead,  and  gives  a  white  coating  of  PbCl2,  and  a  yellow 
one  of  Pb02.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  and  copper  oxide  gives 
the  chlorine  reaction. 

Soluble  in  HNO3  with  effervescence. 

Pyromorphite  (lead  phosphate] Color,  bright  green  to 

brown  ;  sometimes  fine  orange-yellow,  owing  to  an  intermixture 
with  chromate  of  lead.  Streak,  white,  or  nearly  so.  Lustre, 
resinous.  Nearly  transparent.  Brittle.  H.  3.5-4.  G.  6.5-7.1. 
Hexagonal.  In  hexagonal  prisms,  also  in  globular  masses. 

Composition:  Analogous  to  apatite,  PbsO8Pa-f-  ^PbCl2  = 
PO5,  15.71  ;  PbO,  82.27  ;  Cl,  2.62  =  100.60.  Some  varieties 
contain  As,  replacing  part  of  the  P,  and  others,  calcium  replac- 
ing the  lead. 

B.  B.  in  the  forceps  fuses  easily  at  1.5,  coloring  the  flarne 


ORES    OF    MANGANESE.  3«>5 

bluish-green  ;  on  charcoal  fuses  without  reduction  to  a  globule, 
which  on  cooling  assumes  a  crystalline  polyhedral  form,  while 
the  coal  is  coated  white  from  the  chloride,  and  nearer  to  the 
assay,  yellow  from  lead  oxide.  With  soda  on  coal  yields  me- 
tallic lead ;  some  varieties  contain  As  and  give,  on  charcoal, 
in  the  R.  F.  the  odor  of  garlic.  With  salt  of  phosphorus, 
previously  saturated  with  CuO,  gives  an  azure-blue  color  to 
the  flame  when  treated  in  O.  F.  (chlorine).  In  a  closed  tube 
gives  a  white  sublimate  of  PbCl2. 

Soluble  in  HNO3  and  a  solution  of  KHO. 

Minerals  containing  lead :  clausthalite,  mendipite,  caledo- 
riite,  mimetite,  vanadinite,  melanochroite,  stolzite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Manganese. 

Pyrolusite  (black  oxide  of  manganese,  manganese  dioxide). — 
Color,  iron-black.  Streak,  black,  non-metallic.  H.  2-2.5. 
G.  4.8.  Trimetric.  In  small  modified  rectangular  prisms,  or 
in  globular  masses. 

Composition  :  MnO2  =  Mn,  63.2  ;  O,  36.8  =  100. 

B.  B.  with  borax  affords  a  deep  amethystine  color  while  hot, 
which  becomes  red-brown  on  cooling.  In  a  matrass  yields 
little  or  no  water;  when  heated  to  redness,  oxygen  is  evolved. 

Differs  from  psilomelane- by  its  inferior  hardness,  and  from 
iron  ores  by  the  violet  glass  with  borax  ;  gives  frequently 
indications  of  iron. 

Soluble  in  HC1  with  evolution  of  Cl. 

Hausmannite,  Mn304  =  2MnO,  Mn02,  when  pure,  contains  72.1  per 
cent,  of  manganese.  Color,  brownish-black.  Streak,  chestnut-brown. 
H.  5-5.5.  G.  4.7.  Dimetric. 

B.  B.  and  to  1IC1  behaves  like  the  preceding  ore. 

Braunite,  2(2MnO,Mn02)  -\-  MnO2,Si02,  An  oxide  of  manganese,  con? 
taining  69  per  cent,  of  Mn  when  pure.  Color  and  streak,  dark  brown- 
ish-black. Lustre,  submetallic.  Occurs  in  square  octahedrons  ami 
massive.  H.  6-6.5.  G.  4.8.  Dimetric. 

B.  B.  like  pyrolusite  dissolves  in  HC1,  giving  off  chlorine,  leaving 


')•)<)  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Munganite.  A  hydrous  oxide  of  manganese.  Occurs  massive  and 
in  rhombic  prisms.  Color,  steel -black  to  iron -black  H.  4-4.5.  GL 
4.3-4.4.  Trimetric.  Columnar,  often  stalactitic.  Lustre,  subme- 
metallic.  Color,  steel-gray.  Streak,  reddish-brown,  opaque.  Frac- 
ture, uneven. 

In  the  closed  tube  yields  water  ;  otherwise  similar  to  braunite. 

«.' 

Psilomelane — Color,  black  or  greenish-black.  Streak,  red- 
dish or  brownish-black,  shining.  H.  5—6.  G.  4—4.4.  Massive 
and  botryoidal. 

Composition  :  Doubtful.  Essentially  MnO2,  with  some  BaO 
or  K2O  and  H2O.  H.  5.G.  G.  3.7-4.3.  Massive.  Color, 
iron-black  to  steel-gray. 

B.  B.  like  pyrolusite,  except  that  it  affords  water. 
Wad  (bog  manganese). — Color  and  streak,  black  or  brown- 
ish-black.    Lustre,  dull,  earthy.     H.  1-6.     G.  3-4.     Soils  the 
fingers.     Massive,  reniform,  or  earthy. 

Composition  :  Consists  of  manganese  dioxide,  in  varying 
proportions,  from  30  to  70  per  cent,  mechanically  mixed  with 
more  or  less  of  iron  sesquioxide,  10  to  25  per  cent,  of  water, 
and  often  several  per  cent,  of  oxide  of  cobalt  or  copper. 

In  a  matrass  yields  water  abundantly,  and  affords  a  violet 
glass  with  borax.  There  are  several  varieties. 

Lampadite,  or  cupreous  manganese,  constitutes  a  wad,  con- 
taining 4  to  18  per  cent,  of  copper  oxide. 

B.  B.,  when  treated  with  soda  and  borax  on  charcoal,  affords 
a  globule  of  metallic  copper. 

JRhodochrosite  (manganese  carbonate  dialogite,  Mangaspath). 
—Color,  rose-red.  Streak,  white.  H.  3.5-4.5.  G.  3.4-3.7. 
Hexagonal.  Like  calcite  in  having  three  easy  cleavages,  and 
in  lustre. 

Composition :  MnO3C  =  CO2,  38.6 ;  MnO,  61 .4  =  100.  Part 
of  the  Mn  often  replaced  by  Ca,Mg,  or  Fe. 

B.  B.  changes  color  to  gray,  brown,  black,  and  decrepitates 
strongly,  but  is  infusible.  With  salt  of  phosphorus  and  borax 
in  O.  F.  gives  an  amethystine  colored  bead  ;  in  R.  F.  becomes 
colorless.  "With  soda  and  saltpetre  on  platinum  foil  yields  a 


ORES    OF    MERCURY.  3;>7 

Heated  with  IIC1  dissolves  with  effervescence. 

Rhodonite — Usually  massive.  Color,  light  brownish-red, 
flesh-red,  sometimes  greenish  or  yellowish  when  impure  ;  or 
black  on  the  surface  from  exposure.  Streak,  uncolored.  II. 
5.5-6.5.  G.  3.4-3.7.  Triclinic.  Usually  massive. 

Composition  :  Var.  MnSiO3  =  SiO2,  45.9;  MnO,  54.1  =  100. 
When  heated  becomes  dark-brown,  and  gives  to  borax  a  deep 
violet  while  hot,  and  reddish-brown  when  cold. 

Resembles  red  feldspar,  but  differs  in  specific  gravity,  black- 
ening on  exposure,  and  coloring  the  borax  bead. 

FranMinite  (Fe,ZnMn)  (FeMn)  O4.  (See  Ores  of  Iron.) 
This,  and  other  iron  ores  containing  manganese,  are  used  for 
making  "  spiegdeisen" 

Minerals  containing  manganese :  wolframite,  alabandite, 
hauerite,  chalcophanite,  lithiopholite,  triphillite,  triplite,  dick- 
insonite,  reddingite,  fairfieldite,  triploidite,  etc. 

Ores  of  Mercury. 

« 

NATIVE  MERCURY.  Hg.  Occurs  in  fluid  globules  scat- 
tered .through  the  gangue.  Color,  tin-white.  G.  13.56.  Be- 
comes solid  and  crystallizes  at  —39°  F.  (--39.40  C.). 

Heated  in  a  matrass,  it  volatilizes,  condensing  in  the  neck 
of  the  matrass  in  minute  globules.  Dissolves  readily  in  HNO3. 
Hg  is  used  for  the  extraction  of  gold  and  silver  ores. 

Native  amalgam  is  a  compound  of  silver  and  mercury.  H. 
3-3.5.  G.  13.5-14.  Isometric.  The  compounds  AgHg=  Ag, 
35.1 ;  Hg,  64.9,  or  Ag2Hg3  =  Ag,  26.5 ;  Hg,  73.5,  are  included. 
Another  from  Chili  having  the  formula  Ag12Hg,  and  con- 
taining 86.6  per  cent,  of  silver,  has  been  called  arguerite ;  and 
still  another  AglsHg,  kongsbergite. 

All  the  ores  of  mercury  are  completely  volatile,  excepting 
when  Ag  and  Cu  are  present.  In  a  matrass  boils,  gives  a  sub- 
limate of  metallic  Ilg,  and  leaves  a  spongy  residue  of  Ag, 
which,  on  charcoal,  fuses  readily  to  a  globule.  Dissolves 
readily  in  nitric  acid. 


-    358  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Gerargyrite  (calomel,  hornsilver),  occurs  usually  in  dis- 
tinct crystals  or  crystalline  coats  of  a  pearl-gray  color,  and  resin- 
ous adamantine  lustre.  H.  1-1.5.  G.  5.5.  Dimetric. 

Composition  :  HgCl. 

In  a  matrass  yields  a  white  sublimate  of  HgCl.  In  a  closed 
tube,  with  bisulphate  of  potassium,  gives  off  vapors  of  HC1,  fuses 
to  a  pale  hyacinth-red  globule,  becomes  yellow  when  cold. 
Not  affected  by  HNO3.  Dissolved  by  aqua  regia.  With  a 
solution  of  KHO,  becomes  black. 

Cinnabar  (mercury  sulphide) — Color,  bright  red  to  brown- 
ish-red, and  brownish-black.  Streak,  scarlet-red.  Occurs  in 
small  tabular  orsix-sided  crystals.  Also  massive.  Lustre,  unme- 
tallic;  of  crystals,  adamantine.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  8.5-9.  Hexagonal. 

Composition  :  HgS2=S,  13.8  ;  Hg,  86.2.  It  contains  often 
impurities.  Carbon  and  clay  are*  found  in  the  liver  ore,  or 
hepatic  cinnabar,  which  has  a  brownish  color  and  streak.  The 
pure  variety  volatilizes  entirely  before  the  blowpipe,  which  fact 
distinguishes  it  from  red  oxide  of  iron  or  chromate  of  lead ; 
from  realgar  it  differs  by  giving  off  no  alliaceous  fumes  (As). 
Mixed  with  soda  and  heated  in  a  matrass,  affords  globules  of 
Hg.  In  an  open  tube  it  is  partially  decomposed  into  metallic 
Hg  and  S02. 

HNO3  and  HC1  have  no  visible  effect  on  it.  Aqua  regia 
dissolves  it,  part  of  the  sulphur  being  precipitated.  Insoluble 
in  KHO. 

Metacinnabarite,  has  the  same  composition  as  cinnabar,  but 
differs  in  crystallization  ;  it  is  from  Redington  Mine,  Lake 
County,  California. 

Guadalcazarite,  of  Mexico,  is-HgS,  in  which  a  little  of  the 
sulphur  is  replaced  by  selenium. 

Mercury  iodide — A  reddish-brown  ore  from  Mexico. 

.Tiemannite. — A  dark  steel-gray  mercury  selenide,  from  the 
Hartz  and  California. 

Coloradoite — A  grayish-black  mercury  telluride,  with  G. 
8.G27,  from  Colorado.  (Genth.) 

. — A  mercurous  tellurate,  HgO4Te,  from  Colorado. 


ORES    OF    NICKEL.  359 

Ores  of  Nickel. 

NICCOLITE,  COPPER  NICKEL,  ARSENICAL  NICKEL — Color, 
pale,  copper-red  ;  streak,  pale  brownish-red.  Lustre,  metallic. 
Brittle.  H.  5-5.5.  G.  7.3-7.7.  Hexagonal ;  usually  massive. 

Composition  : .  Ni  As  =  Ni,  44  ;  As,  56  =  100.  Sometimes  a 
part  of  the  arsenic  is  replaced  by  Sb. 

B.  B.  gives  off  arsenical  fumes,  and  fuses  to  a  pale  globule, 
which  darkens  on  exposure.  In  an  open  tube  yields  a  copious 
sublimate  of  As2O3,  and  the  assay  piece  assumes  a  yellowish- 
green  color,  and  crumbles  to  pieces.  Dissolves  almost  entirely 
in  HNO3 ;  the  solution  has  a  green  color ;  on  cooling  As2O3 
separates.  Dissolves  readily  in  aqua  regia. 

Breithaiiptite  or  antimonial  nickel. — Composition  :  NiSb 
=  Sb,  67.8  ;  Ni,  32.2  =  100.  It  has  a  pale  copper-red  color, 
inclining  to  violet.  H.  5.5-6.  G.  7.54.  Crystals  hexagonal. 

B.  B.  after  long  heating  on  charcoal  it  yields  a  magnetic 
globule.  Fuses  with  difficulty.  In  an  open  tube  it  gives  no 
sulphur  reaction.  HC1  acts  but  little  on  it,  but  aqua  regia  dis- 
solves it  completely. 

Gersdorffite Nickel  glance  ;  a  nickel  arserio-sulphi.de  ;  Ni 

Sa-f  NiAs'  =  NiAsS  =  As,  45.5;  S,  19.4;  Ni,  35.1,  but  vary- 
ing much  in  composition.  Color,  sulphur-white  to  steel-gray. 
II.  5.5.  G.  5.6-6.9.  Isometric.  In  a  matrass  decrepitates 
violently,  yelding  a  yellowish-brown  As2S3.  In  an  open  tube 
evolves  As2O.  and  SO,.  Partly  dissolved  by  HNO3,  while  S  and 
As2O3  are  precipitated.  Aqua  regia  dissolves  it  to  an  apple- 
green  solution,  which  an  excess  of  NH3  turns  sapphire-blue. 

Ullmannite  (nickel  stibine,  nickdiferous  gray  antimony)  — 
Composition  :  NiSbS.  An  antimonial  nickel  sulphide,  con- 
taining 25  to  28  per  cent,  of  nickel. 

Color,  steel-gray,  inclining  to  silver-white.  In  cubical  crys- 
tals also  massive.  H.  5-5.5.  G.  6.45.  Isometric. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  in  R.  F.  fuses  to  a  globule,  and  yields  a 
white  coat  of  SbO8,  sometimes  emits  the  odor  of  As.  The 
melting  globule  treated  with  borax  frequently  gives. the 


360  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

tion  of  Fe  and  Co,  besides  those  of  Ni.  Concentrated  IINO3 
acts  violently  on  it,  S  and  Sb2O3  being  precipitated.  Aqua 
regia  dissolves  it,  excepting  some  S,  to  a  green  liquid. 

Grunanite  (bismuth-nickel) — A  sulphide  containing  31  to 
38.5  per  cent,  of  S,  10  to  14  per  cent,  of  Bi,  and  22  to  40.7 
per  cent,  of  Ni.  Contains  also  Cu  and  Fe. 

Color,  light  steel-gray  to  silver-white.  Often  tarnished 
yellowish.  H.  4.5.  G.  5.13. 

Millerite  (capillary  pyrites,  nickel  sulphide) — Color,  brass- 
yellow.  Lustre,  metallic.  Streak,  bright.  Occurs  usually  in 
capillary-  or  needle-like  crystallizations,  sometimes  like  wool. 
Brittle.  H.  3-3.5.  G.  4.6-5.65.  Hexagonal. 

Composition:  NiS=S,  35.6;  Ni,  64.4=  100. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  to  a  globule,  and,  after  roasting, 
gives,  with  borax  and  salt  of  phosphorus,  a  violet  bead  in  O.  F. 
which  in  R.  F.  becomes  gray  from  reduced  metallic  nickel. 

In  the  open  tube  affords  fumes  of  SO2.  It  is  but  little 
affected  by  concentrated  HNO3,  but  aqua  regia  dissolves  it 
entirely. 

Zaratite  (emerald  nickel). — Color,  bright  green.  Lustre, 
vitreous.  Usually  forms  incrustations.  H.  3-3.25.  G.  2.5- 
2.7. 

Composition  :  Ni3C06  -f  6Aq.  It  is  a  hydrous  nickel  car- 
bonate. 

B.  B.  infusible  alone.  Dissolves  with  effervescence  in  borax 
and  salt  of  phosphorus,  exhibiting  the  characteristic  nickel 
reactions.  In  a  matrass  loses  at  212°  F.  a  large  amount  of 
water  and  blackens.  Dissolves  readily  in  heated  dilute  HNO3 
with  effervescence  (CO2). 

Annabergite  (nickel  ochre,  nickel  arsenate). — Composition  : 
Ni3As2O8  +  8Aq  =  As205,  38.6  ;  NiO,  37.2  ;  H2O,  24.2  =  100. 
Soft,  earthy. 

Color,  apple-green. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  in  R.  F.  fuses  with  emission  of  arsenical 
vapor  to  a  blackish -gray  globule.  When  treated  with  borax 


ORES    OF    SILVER.  3d 

the  globule  gives  tlie  reactions  of  nickel,  sometimes  also  those 
of  iron  and  cobalt.  Soluble  in  acids. 

Morenosite A  nickel  vitriol,  NiO4S  -{-  7Aq,  having  an 

apple-green  to  greenish-white  color. 

Lindackerite,  hydrous  nickel  copper  arsenate. 

Remingtonite A  hydrous  nickel  carbonate,  rose-colored, 

from  Maryland. 

Genthite  (nickel  silicates'),  H4(Ni,Mg)4Si3O,2,  is  a  hydrous 
magnesium  and  nickel  silicate,  of  a  pale  apple-green  color, 
yielding  in  one  analysis  80  per  cent,  of  nickel  oxide.  II.  3.4. 
G.  2.4.  Amorphous. 

Rottisite  is  similar. 

Primelite  is  an  impure  apple-green  silicate,  affording  in  one 
case  15.6  per  cent,  of  NiO. 

Alipite  is  similar ;  so,  also,  garnierite  .(and  naumeite)  from 
New  Caledonia,  and  worked  there  for  nickel. 

.     Ores  of  Silver. 

Silver  occurs  native  and  alloyed  with  gold,  or  sometimes 
with  platinum  ;  also  combined  with  arsenic,  sulphur,  tellurium, 
antimony,  bismuth,  chlorine,  bromine,  iodine  ;  but  never  as  an 
oxide,  carbonate,  sulphate,  or  phosphate. 

NATIVE  SILVER — Color  and  streak,  silver-white  and  shin- 
ing. Often  black  externally  from  tarnish  ;  ductile  and  malle- 
able. H.  2.5-3.  G.  10-11.  Isometric.  Occurs  usually 
in  filiform  and  arborescent  shapes,  sometimes  in  lamina?  and 
massive. 

Composition  :  Native  silver  is  usually  an  alloy  of  silver  and 
copper,  the  latter  amounting  often  to  10  per  cent.  Also 
alloyed  with  gold,  as  stated  under  that  metal. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  easily  to  a  globule  of  a  silver- white 

color.     Dissolves  in  HNO3,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  as 

chloride  by  HC1 ;  the  precipitate  is  soluble  in  NH3.     A  bright 

plate  of  copper,  immersed  in  the  nitric-acid  solution,  becomes 

31 


362  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

coated  with  silver.  Native  amalgam  is  a  compound  of  mer- 
cury and  silver.  (See  Mercury  Ores.) 

Argentite  (silver  glance,  sulphide  of  silver) — Color  and 
streak,  blackish,  lead-gray.  Streak,  shining.  Very  sectile. 
H.  2-2. f).  G.  7.19-7.4.  Isometric.  In  dodecahedrons. 
Also  reticulated  and  massive.  Cuts  like  lead  (distinction 
from  minerals  of  the  same  color). 

Composition  :  When  pure,  Ag,S  =  S,  12.9;  Ag,  87.1. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  in  O.  F.  intumesces,  evolves  SO2,  and 
finally  yields  a  globule  of  metallic  Ag.  Soluble  in  dilute 
IINO3,  leaving  a  residue  of  sulphur.  The  solution,  when 
treated  with  HC1  affords  a  heavy  white  precipitate  of  AgCl, 
which  is  redissolved  by  an  excess  of  ammonia. 

Acanthite Ag2S.  Trimetric.  Differs  only  in  crystalline 

form  from  the  preceding. 

Daleminzite  is  another  silver  sulphide  from  near  Freiberg. 

Stromeyerite A  steel-gray  sulphide  of  silver  and  copper. 

Ag2S  +  Cu2S  =8,15.7;  Ag,  53.1;  Cu,  31.2  =  100.  G.  6.26. 

B.  B.  it  fuses,  and  gives  in  the  open  tube  SO2,  but  a  silver 
globule  is  not  obtained,  except  by  cupellation  with  lead. 

Sternberffite.^-Ag¥e.2$s.  A  sulphide  of  silver  and  iron, 
containing  33  per  cent,  of  silver. 

Color,  pinchbeck-brown.  Streak,  black.  The  ore  is  foliated, 
and  leaves  a  tracing  on  paper  like  graphite. 

B.  B.  partially  reduced  to  Ag.  Partly  soluble  in  HNO3. 
The  solution  yields  with  HC1  a  heavy  precipitate  of  AgCl. 

Naumannite. — A  selenide  of  silver  and  lead  in  iron-black 
cubes  and  massive.  G.  8.  Contains  73  per  cent,  of  silver. 

B.  B.  fuses  easily  in  O.  F  ;  quietly  in  R.  F.,  with  intumes- 
cence. With  borax  yields  a  pure  silver  globule. 

Cerargyrite  (hornsilver,  silver  chloride). — Color,  gray,  pass- 
ing into  green  and  blue.  Looks  somewhat  like  horn  or  wax, 
and  cuts  like  it.  H.  1-1.5.  G.  5.5.  Isometric.  Lustre, 
resinous.  Streak,  shining.  Extensively  worked  in  the  mines 
of  South  America  and  Mexico. 


OKKS    OF    SILVEU.  303 

Composition :  AgCl  —  Cl,  24.7 ;  Ag,  75.3  —  100.  Fuses  in 
the  flame  of  a  candle,  and  emits  acrid  fumes. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  affords  readily  a  silver  globule.  The  sur- 
face of  a  plate  of  iron  rubbed  with  it  is  silvered.  Mixed  with 
oxide  of  copper,  and  heated  on  charcoal  in  R.  F.,  chloride  of 
copper  is  formed,  which  colors  the  flame  azure  blue.  Insoluble 
in  H2O  and  HN03,  but  soluble  in  NH3.  Partially  decomposed 
by  a  boiling  solution  of  caustic  potash. 

Embolite. — A  chloro-brornide  of  silver,  resembling  the  horn- 
silver. 

Color,  asparagus-  to  olive-green.  Lustre,  adamantine.  H. 
1-1.5.  G.  5.3-5.8.  Isometric.  Malleable  and  sectile. 

Composition  :  Ag(Cl,Br)  —  AgCl,  51 ;  AgBr,  40. 

B.  B.  fused  with  oxide  of  copper  on  charcoal  in  R.  F.  colors 
the  O.  F.  greenish,  then  blue.  With  soda  on  charcoal  reduced 
to  metallic  silver.  Heated  in  a  closed  tube  with  bisulphate  of 
potassium  gives  off  bromine  vapors,  fuses  to  an  intense  garnet- 
red  globule,  becoming  yellow  when  cold. 

Bromyrite  (bromic  silver) — -Color,  yellowish-green  or  green. 
Lustre,  splendent.  H.  2-3-  G.  5.8-6.  Isometric. 

Composition:  AgBr  =  Br,  42.6  ;  Ag,  57.4  =  100. 

B.  B.  behaves  like  the  preceding. 

Jodyrite Silver  iodide.  Agl  ==  I,  54.0  ;  Ag,  4G.O  =  100. 

Color,  bright  yellow.  Lustre,  adamantine.  H.  1.5.  G.  5.7. 
Hexagonal. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  readily,  colors  the  flame  purple-red, 
and  affords  a  globule  of  silver.  In  a  closed  tube,  with  bisul- 
phate of  potassium,  gives  off  iodine  vapors,  fuses  to  a  very 
dark,  almost  black,  globule. 

Tocornalite A  silver  and  mercury  iodide  from  Chili. 

Amorphous. 

Color,  pale  yellow. 

Hessite A  telluride  of  silver,  Ag2Te  =  Te,  37.2 ;  Ag,  62.8 

=  100. 

Color,  between  lead-gray  and  steel-gray.  Sectile.  G.  8.3- 
8.C,.  Malleable. 


364  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

B.  B.  in  the  open  tube  a  faint  sublimate  of  tellurious  acid ; 
on  charcoal  with  soda  a  silver  globule.  "In  HNO3  dissolves 
entirely. 

Petzite  is  a  hessite  with  the  silver  replaced  in  part  by  gold, 
(Ag,Au)aTe.  G.  8.7-9.4.  Between  steel-gray  to  iron-black. 
Streak,  same.  One  variety  yielded  Genth :  Te,  32. G8  ;  Ag, 
41.86;  Au,  25.60  =  100.14.  Occurs  in  Colorado,  Utah,  etc., 
witli  hessite. 

Tapaltite  is  a  telluride  of  bismuth  and  silver. 

Sylvanite  (graphite  tellurium) — A  telluride  of  gold  and 
silver.  (See  Gold  Ores.) 

Eucairite,  (Cu,Ag)2Se — A  selenide  of  silver  and  copper, 
containing  42—45  per  cent,  of  Ag. 

Color,  silver-white  to  lead-gray.      Easily  cut  with  the  knife. 

Solution  in  HNO3  yields  with  HC1  a  heavy  precipitate  of 
AgCl. 

J)yscrasite  (antimonial  silver)  consists  simply  of  Ag  and 
Sb  =  Ag4Sb  =  Ag,  78;  Sb,  22  =  100.  Color,  nearly  tin- white. 
G.  9.4-9.8.  Trimetric. 

B.  B.  affords  furnes  of  Sb,  leaving  finally  a  globule  of  Ag. 
Dissolves  in  HNO3,  leaving  a  residue  of  Sb2O8. 

Pyrargyrit'e  (ruby  silver,  da  jfc-red  silver  ore) Color,  black 

to  dark  cochineal-red.  Streak,  cochineal-red.  Lustre,  splen- 
dent, metallic,  adamantine.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  5.7-5.9.  Hexago- 
nal. 

Composition  :  Ag8S8Sb(=  3Ag.2S  -f  SbaS3)  =  S,  17.7  ;  Sb, 
22.5;  Ag,  59.8  =  100.  Crystallizes  in  hexagonal  prisms. 

B.  B.  fus^s  very  easily  ;  on  charcoal  a  white  deposit  of  SbO3 
is  deposited,  and,  mixed  with  soda  in  R.  F.,  a  globule  of  Ag 
is  obtained.  In  an  open  tube  gives  antimony  fumes,  and  SO2, 
reddening  blue  litmus  paper.  In  a  matrass  fuses  easily,  yield- 
ing by  continued  heating  a  sublimate  of  SbS3. 

Proustite  (light-red  silver  ore). — Resembles  the  preceding 
ore.  It  contains  arsenic  in  place  of  much  or  all  of  the  antimony. 
H.  2-2.5.  G.  5.4-5.56.  Hexagonal. 


ORES    OF    SILVER.  305 

Composition  :  Ags$sAs  =  S  10.4,  A*  15.1,  Ag  05.5  =  100. 

B.  B.  gives  off  garlic  odors. 

Stephanite  (brittle  silver  ore,  black  silver) — Color  and 
streak,  iron-black.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  6.27.  Trimetric.  Crys- 
tallized and  massive. 

Composition  :  Ag5S4Sb(==5Ag1S  +  ShaSJI)  =  S  16.2,  Sb  15.3, 
Ag  68.5. 

B.  B.  it  gives  an  odor  of  SO2,  and  also  fumes  of  antimony, 
and  yields  a  dark,  metallic  globule,  from  which  silver  may  be 
obtained  by  the  addition  of  soda.  Soluble  in  dilute  nitric  acid, 
and  the  solution  indicates  the  presence  of  silver  by  silvering  a 
plate  of  copper. 

Polybasite — Composition  :  AgflSh6  (or  9Ag2S  +  Sb,S3),  75.5 
Ag.  Is  near  stephanite  in  color,  spec,  grav.,  and  composition. 
It  crystallizes  usually  in  tabular,  hexagonal  prisms.  H.  2-3. 
G.  6.214.  Trimetric.  In  the  open  tube  fuses,  gives  sulphu- 
rous and  antimonial  fumes. 

B.  B.  fuses  with  spirting  to  a  globule,  gives  off  S  (sometimes 
As),  and  coats  the  coal  with  SbO3.  Long-continued  blowing 
yields  a  metallic  globule,  which,  with  salt  of  phosphorus,  reacts 
for  copper,  and,  cupelled  with  lead,  gives  pure  silver.  Decom- 
posed by  HNO3. 

Miargyrite. — Composition  :  AgSbS2.  Is  an  antimonial 
silver  sulphide,  containing  but  36.5  per  cent,  of  silver,  and 
having  a  dark,  cherry-red  streak,  while  its  color  is  iron-black. 
H.  2.5.  G.  5.2.  Monoclinic. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  gives  off  fumes  of  Sb,  and  an  odor  of 
SO2 ;  and  in  the  O.  F.  a  globule  is  left,  which  finally  yields  a 
button  of  pure  silver.  A  mixture  of  borax  and  soda  facilitates 
the  formation  of  a  malleable  silver-bead. 

Brongniardite Composition  :  AgsPbSbaSs  (or  PbS  -f  Ag, 

S  +  Sb.^).     Contains  about  25  per  cent,  of  silver. 

Color,  black-gray.  H.  3.  G.  5.0.  Isometric.  Occurs  in 
octahedrons  and  massive. 

B.  B.  gives  S  reaction.  The  nitric  acid  solution  yields  with 
HaSO4  a  precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead. 

31* 


366  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

Polyargyrite Composition:  12Ag.2$  -f-  Sb2S8.  Isometric. 

Cleavage,  cubic.  Malleable.  Resembles  polybasite  in  compo- 
sition and  behavior.  Wolfach,  Baden. 

Freieslebenite  (Schilfglaserz,  Germ.) Composition:  (Pb, 

Ag)5Sb2Sn  =  S,  18.8;  Sb,  26.9;  Pb,  30.5;  Ag,  23.8  =  100. 

Color  and  streak,  steel-gray.  Lustre,  metallic.  H.  2-2.5. 
G.  6-6.4.  Monoclinic,  yields  easily  to  the  knife*,  and  is  rather 
brittle.  In  an  open  tube  gives  sulphurous  and  antimonial 
fumes,  the  latter  condensing  as  a  white  sublimate. 

B.  B.  on  charcoal  fuses  easily,  giving  a  coating  of  white 
antimonious  oxide  on  the  outer  edge,  and  near  the  assay,  a 
yellow  one  from  oxide  of  lead.  Continued  blowing  leaves  a 
globule  of  silver. 

Pyrostilpnite,  (Feuerblende,  Germ.) — In  delicate  crystals. 
Color,  hyacinth-red.  Contains  62^.3  per  cent,  of  silver ;  also 
sulphur  and  antimony. 

Ores  of  Tin. 

CASSITERITE,  TIN  ORE,  TIN  OXIDE. — Color,  brown,  or 
black  ;  streak,  pale  gray  to  brownish.  Lustre,  adamantine  (of 
crystals).  H.  6.7.  G.  6.4-7.1.  Dimetric.  In  square  prisms 
and  octahedrons  ;  often  twinned ;  also  massive,  in  grains  and 
rolled  pebbles  (Stream  tin). 

Composition  :  SnO2  =  O,  21.33  ;  Sn,  78.67  =  100 ;  often  con- 
tains  a  little  iron  and  sometimes  tantalum. 

B.  B.  alone  infusible.  On  charcoal,  with  soda,  affords  a 
globule  of  tin.  Insoluble  in  acids.  Fused  with  HKO  yields  a 
mass  which  is  mostly  soluble  in  water. 

Stannite  (tin  pyrites) — (Cu,Sn,Fe,Zn)S.  A  sulphide  con- 
taining 26  per  cent,  of  tin.  Color,  steel-gray.  Lustre,  metallic. 
Occurs  usually  massive.  H.  4,  G.  4.3-4.5.  Probably  di- 
metric  and  hernihedral.  In  an  open  glass  tube  yields  S03  and 
SnO2,  which  collect  close  to  the  assay-piece,  and  which  cannot 
be  volatilized  by  heat. 


ORES    OF    ZINC.  3G7 

B.  B.  on  charcoal,  in  R.  F.  fuses  to  a  black  scoriaceous 
globule  ;  in  O.  F.  gives  off  SO2,  and  becomes  covered  with 
8nO2.  When  well  calcined  by  the  alternate  application  of  the 
O.  F.  and  R.  F.,  gives  with  borax  the  indications  of  ,Fe  and  Cu. 
Soluble  in  nitric  acid  to  a  blue  solution,  while  a  mixture  of  S 
and  SnO  remains  undissolved. 

Ores  of  Zinc. 

ZIXCITE,  RED  ZINC  ORE,  RED  ZINC  OXIDE — Color,  deep 
or  bright  red  ;  streak,  orange-yellow.  Lustre,  brilliant.  H. 
4-4.5.  G.  5.4-5.7.  Hexagonal.  Of  distinctly  foliated  structure. 

Composition  :  ZnO  =  O,  19.7;  Zn,  80.3  =  100. 

B.  B.  infusible  alone,  but  yields  a  yellow  transparent  glass 
with  borax  ;  sometimes  the  manganese  reaction  in  O.  F.  with 
borax.  On  charcoal,  a  coating  of  ZnO. 

Dissolves  in  HNO3  without  effervescence.  Occurs  with 
Franklinite  at  Mine  Hill  and  Sterling  Hill,  Sussex -County, 
N.  J. 

Sphalerite    (blende,    zinc   sulphide) Color,    waxy-yellow 

to  black  ;  streak,  white  to  reddish-brown.  Lustre,  resinous. 
Brittle.  H.  3.5-4.  G.  3.9-4.2.  Isometric.  Crystallizes  in 
dodecahedrons. 

Composition  :  ZnS  =  S,  33 ;  Zn,  67  =  100.  Contains  fre- 
quently a  portion  of  FeS  when  dark  colored ;  often  also  1  to  2 
per  cent,  of  CdS  (especially  the  red  variety).  This  ore  is 
the  blackjack  of  miners. 

B.  B.  alone  infusible.  On  charcoal  in  R.  F.  a  feeble  dark 
coat  of  CdO  is  usually  obtained,  which  is  followed  by  a  coat 
of  pure  ZnO.  With  soda  on  coal  it  is  easily  reduced,  and  the 
characteristic  zinc  flame  frequently  observed.  Fe  'is  detected 
by  calcining  the  mineral  in  O.  F.  and  treating  the  residue  with 
borax. 

Strongly   heated  in  an  open  tube  SO2  is  evolved,  and  the 
color  of  the  calcined  assay  is  white,  yellowish,  or  brownish," 
according  to  the  amount  of  FcS. 


368  MINERALOGY    SIMPLIFIED. 

The  pulverized  mineral  dissolves  in  HNO3,  emitting  H>28. 

Smith  sonite  (carbonate  of  zinc") Color,  impure  white, 

green  or  brown.  Streak,  uncoloreil.  Lustre,  vitreous  or 
pearly.  H.  5.  G.  4.3-4.45.  Brittle.  Hexagonal.  Often  reni- 
ibrm  and  stalactitic. 

Composition:  ZnO3C  =  C02,  35.2;  ZnO,  64.8  (four-fifths  of 
which  is  pure  zinc)  =  100.  Often  contains  Cd. 

B.  B.  infusible  alone,  but  CO2  and  ZnO  are  finally  vaporized. 
Negatively  electric  by  friction. 

Mixed  with  soda  and  exposed  to  the  R.  F.  it  is  decomposed 
and  white  ZnO  deposited  on  the  coal.  The  coating  is  at  first 
dark -yellow,  or  reddish,  when  Cd  is  present.  It  dissolves 
readily  in  acids  with  effervescence  ;  also  in  a  solution  of  KHO. 

Calcimine  (hydrous  zinc  silicate,  Galmei). — Color,  whitish 
or  white,  bluish,  greenish,  or  brownish.  Streak,  uncolored. 
Lustre,  vitreous  or  subnacreous.  Brittle.  H.  4.5-5.  G.  3.16- 
3.9.  Orthorhombic.  Pyro-electric.  The  smallest  fragment 
heated  attracts  light  substances.  In  its  physical  characters  it 
resembles  the  preceding  ore. 

Composition:  Zn2O4Si-f  Aq  =  SiO0,  25.0;  ZnO,  67.5;  H2O, 
7.5  =  100. 

B.  B.  alone  almost  infusible.  Forms  a  clear  glass  with  borax. 
In  heated  F^SO^  it  dissolves,  and  the  solution  gelatinizes  on 
cooling.  Partly  dissolved  by  solution  of  HKO. 

Willemite  (zinc  silicate,  troostite) — Color,  whitish,  greenish- 
yellow,  apple-green,  flesh-red,  yellowish-brown.  Streak,  un- 
colored. Brittle.  H.  5.5.  G.  3.89-4.18.  Hexagonal. 

Composition:  Zn03Si  =  SiO2,  27.1  ;  ZnO,  72.9  ==  100. 

B.  B.  fuses  with  difficulty  to  an  enamel;  on  charcoal  with 
soda  yields  a  coating  which  is  yellow  while  hot,  and  white  on 
cooling,  and  which,  moistened  with  cobalt  solution  and  treated 
in  O.  F.,  is  colored  bright  green.  Gelatinizes  with  HCL 

The  zincite,  willemite,  and  franklinite  (the  latter  described 
under  iron  ores),  of  Frankline,  N.  J.,  are  together  worked  as 
a  zinc  ore,  and  both  zinc  and  zinc  oxide  are  produced. 


APPENDIX. 


Carbonaceous  Compounds. 

Grnplilte  (plumbago,  C.)  consists  essentially  of  pure  carbon  ; 
most  specimens  contain  iron,  the  quantities  of  which  vary 
from  a  mere  trace  up  to  5  per  cent.  Hexagonal.  In  flat  six- 
sided  prisms  or  tables.  Lustre,  metallic.  Color,  iron-black 
to  dark  steel-gray.  Thin  laminae,  flexible.  H.  1-2.  G.  2.25- 
2.27.  Soils  paper,  and  feels  greasy.  The  finest  and  most 
valuable  mineral  is  used  for  lead  pencils.  At  a  high  tempera- 
ture it  burns  in  the  air  without  flame  or  smoke,  leaving  usually 
some  red  oxide  of  iron  behind. 

B.  B.  infusible,  both  alone  and  with  reagents  ;  not  acted 
upon  by  acids  ;  i'used  with  nitre  in  a  platinum  spoon,  defla- 
grates, converting  the  reagent  into  potassium  carbonate,  which 
effervesces  with  acids. 

Anthracite — Anthracite  (called  also  glance  coal,  and  stone 
coal)  has  a  high  lustre,  and  is  often  iridescent ;  fracture  con- 
choidal.  H.  2.25.  G.  1.3-1.8. 

Composition  :  It  usually  contains  80  to  83  per  cent,  of  car- 
bon, with  4  to  7  of  volatile  matter  ;  the  rest  consisting  of  earthy 
impurities,  which  consist  of  SiO^Al./),,  and  FesO3.  Burns 
with  a  feeble  blue  flame.  In  a  matrass,  gives  usually  a  little 
water,  but  no  empyreumatic  oil.  Does  not  color  a  boiling 
solution  of  caustic  potash. 

Bituminous  Coal — C,H,O,  in  variable  proportions.  Bitu- 
minous coal  varies  much  in  the  amount  of  oil,  coal-tar,  or  gas 
it  yields  when  heated  ;  and  there  is  a  gradual  passage  in  its 
varieties  through  semi-anthracite  to  anthracite.  It  is  of  a 


370  APPENDIX. 

black  color,  with  the  powder  black,  but  it  is  softer  than  anthra- 
cite. G.  1.2-1.5.  The  volatile  bituminous  matter  contains 
from  76  to  90  per  cent,  of  carbon.  The  earthy  impurities 
consist  principally  of  SiO2,  A12O3,  and  CaO. 

The  following  tabulation,  from  Wagner's  Technology,  exhibits 
at  a  glance  the  successive  stages  and  nature  of  this  conver- 
sion : — 


Carbon. 

Hydrogen. 

Oxygen. 

Wood 

.     52.65 

5.25 

42.10 

Peat. 

.     60.44 

5.96 

33.60 

Lignite      .         .         . 

.     66.96 

5.27 

27.76 

Earthy  brown  coal    . 

.     74.20 

5.89 

19.90 

Coal  (secondary) 

.     76.18 

5.64 

18.07 

Coal  (older) 

.     90.50 

5.05 

4.40 

Anthracite 

.     92.85 

3.96 

3.19 

In  a  matrass  some  varieties  of  bituminous  coal  soften  and 
cake  (coking  coal),  while  others  are  entirely  infusible  ;  all 
varieties  are  decomposed,  evolve  combustible  gases  and  empy- 
reumatic  oils,  and  leave  a  porous  residue  of  more  or  less  metallic 
lustre  (coke),  which  behaves  like  anthracite.  'On  platinum 
foil  burns  with  a  luminous  flame  and  emission  of  smoke,  leaving 
an  earthy  residue.  Boiled  with  a  solution  of  caustic  potash  or 
with  etlier  imparts  to  these  solvents  no  color,  or  only  a  pale 
yellow. 

Brown  Coal — Composition  nearly  the  same  as  that  of  bitu- 
minous coal,  but  the  organic  constituents  contain  only  from  GO 
to  7o  per  cent,  of  carbon.  In  physical  properties  bears  some- 
times a  close  resemblance  to  the  preceding.  Some  varieties 
show  distinctly  the  texture  of  wood  (lignite). 

In  a  matrass  infusible,  but  some  varieties  soften  ;  evolves 
combustible  gases,  empyreumatic  oils,  water  of  acid  reaction, 
and  a  peculiar,  disagreeable  odor,  leaving  a  residue  which  con- 
sists of  carbon  and  a  considerable  amount  of  ash.  On  platinum 
foil  burns  with  a  smoky  flame  and  emission  of  a  peculiar  odor. 
Boiled  with  a  solution  of  caustic  potash  colors  the  liquid  brown. 

Asphaltum C,H,O    in    variable    proportions,   with    about 


CARBONACEOUS    COMPOUNDS.  371 

75  per  cent,  of  carbon.  G.  1-1.8.  Of  black  or  brownish-black 
color  and  bituminous  odor,  is  amorphous  and  pitch-like.  Fuses 
at  about  100°  C.,  and  burns  with  a  bright  flame  and  emission 
of  a  thick  smoke,  leaving  little  ash,  which  consists  essentially 
of  SiO2,  A1O3,  and  FeO3. 

In  a  matrass  gives  empyreumatic  oil,  some  ammoniacal 
water,  combustible  gases,  and  leaves  a  carbonaceous  residue. 
Treated  with  boiling  ether  colors  the  solvent  wine-red  to 
brownish-red  (distinction  from  bituminous  coal)  ;  when  treated 
with  a.  boiling  solution  of  caustic  potash  it  does  not  color  the 
liquid,  or  at  the  most  imparts  to  it  a  pale-yellow  color  (distinc- 
tion from  brown  coal). 

Albertite Coal-like    in    hardness.      Color,   jet-black,    but 

slightly  soluble  in  camphene.  and  only  imperfectly  fusing  when 
heated,  but  having  the  lustre  of  asphaltum,  and  softens  a  little 
in  boiling  water.  H.  1-2.  G.  1.097. 

Fills  fissures  in  the  subcarboniferous  rocks  near  Hillsborough, 
Nova  Scotia,  and  supposed  to  have  been  derived  from  the 
hydrocarbon  of  the  adjoining  rock,  and  to  have  been  oxidized 
at  the  time  it  was  formed,  and  filled  the  fissures  (J.  D.  Dana). 

GraTiamit'e. — From  West  Virginia.  Forms  a  related  mate- 
rial. H.  2.  G.  1.145. 

Color,  pitchy-black.     Soluble  mostly  in  camphene,  but  melts 
only  imperfectly.   An  analysis  afforded  carbon,  70.45  ;  hydrogen, 
7.82;  oxygen  (with  traces  of  nitrogen),   13.46;  ash,  2.26  — 
100. 

Amber  (Bernstein,  Germ.) — Composition,  C,H,O.  Forms 
irregular  masses. 

Color,  yellow,  sometimes  brownish  or  whitish.  Lustre, 
resinous.  Transparent  to  translucent.  H.  2-2.5.  G.  1.18. 
Electric  by  friction.  It  consists  mainly  (85  to  90  per  rent.) 
of  a  resin,  insoluble  in  all  solvents,  called  succinite,  and  two 
other  resins  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether — an  ethereal  oil  and 
succinic  acid  (2^  to  6  per  cent.).  Amber  fuses  with  diffi- 
culty in  the  matrass,  yielding  water,  empyreumatic  oil,  gases, 
succinic  acid,  and  a  residue  of  amber-resin.  It  burns  with 


372  APPENDIX. 

a  yellow  flame,  emitting  an  agreeable  odor,  leaving  behind  a 
black,  shining,  carbonaceous  substance. 

Elaterite  (mineral  caoutchouc,  elastic  bitumen)  contains  C 
and  H.  Found  in  soft  flexible  masses,  hence  its  name. 
Color,  brownish-black  ;  sub-translucent.  G.  0.9—1.25. 

Composition  :  C,  85.5 ;  H,  13.3-98.8.  Burns  in  the  flame  of 
a  candle  with  a  yellow  flame  and  bituminous  odor. 

Retinite  or  retinasphalt — It  is  found  in  brown  coal,  and 
constitutes  a  fossil  resin,  which  has  a  yellow  color,  is  fusible 
and  inflammable,  and  largely  soluble  in  alcohol. 

Hatchettine,  similar  to  the  last  named,  is  met  with  in  mineral 
coal-beds  at  Merthr  Tydail,  and  near  Loch  Fyne  in  Scotland. 

Ozocerite  is  like  wax  or  spermaceti  in  consistence.  G.  0.85 
-90.  Color,  white,  yellowish-brown.  Soluble  in  ether.  It 
feels  greasy,  and  fuses  at  132°  to  145°  Fah.  It  has  been  ob- 
tained by  destructive  distillation  from  mineral  coal,  peat,  petro- 
leum, etc. 

Petroleum.* 

Mineral  oils  of  density  from  O.GO-0.85.  Soluble  in  benzine 
or  camphene.  Consists  of  many  liquids  of  the  naphtha  and 
etJiylene  series.  The  composition  of  the  naphtha,  or  marsh-gas 
series,  is  expressed  by  the  general  formula  Cn-|-H2n_(_2,  of  which 
methane,  or  marsh-gas,  CH4  is  the  first  or  lowest  member; 
and  that  of  the  ethylene  (olefiant  gas)  series  by  the  formula 
CnH2n=  C,  85.71 ;  H,  14.29  =  100.  It  occurs  in  rocks  of  all 
ages  from  the  lower  silurian  to  the  'most  recent  ones,  and  has 
been  formed  through  the  decomposition  of  animal  or  vegeta- 
ble substances,  or  both. 

Petroleum  is  obtained  chiefly  at  the  present  time  from  more 
or  less  deeply-seated,  subterranenean  chambers,  or  cavities, 
among  the  rock-strata,  only  reached  by  boring.  Being  under 

*  See  Coal  Oil  and  Petroleum.  Their  Origin,  History,  Geology,  and 
Chemistry,  by  Henri  Erni.  Philadelphia,  1865,  published  by  Henry 
Carey  Baird. 


PETROLEUM.  373 

pressure  of  the  gas,  associated  with  it,  and,  in  many  cases,  that 
of  water  also,  it  rises  to  the  surface  in  boring,  and  sometimes 
makes  a  "  spouting"  well.  The  mineral  oil  of  the  rocks  has 
been  formed  through  the  decomposition  of  animal  or  vegeta- 
ble substances.  From  the  nature  of  the  rocks,  which  most 
abound  in  the  species  of  hydrocarbons  that  yield  oil,  it  is  evi- 
dent that  .the  rock  material  was  in  the  state  of  a  fine  mud  ;  that 
through  this  mud  much  vegetable  or  animal  matter  was  dis- 
tributed, almost  in  the  condition  of  an  emulsion  ;  that  the  stra- 
tum of  this  mud  becoming  afterwards  overlaid  by  other  strata, 
the  decomposition  of  vegetable  or  animal  matter  went  forward 
without  the  presence  of  atmospheric  air,  or  with  very  little  of 
it.  Under  such  circumstances  either  vegetable  material  or 
animal  oils  might  be  converted,  as  chemists  have  shown,  into 
mineral  oil.  Dry  wood  consisting  approximately  (excluding 
the  ash  and  nitrogen^  of  6  atoms  of  carbon  to  9  of  hydrogen, 
and  4  of  oxygen.  If  now  all  the  oxygen  of  the  wood  combines 
with  a  part  of  the  carbon  to  form  carbonic  acid,  and  this  2C02, 
thus  made,  is  removed,  there  will  be  left  C4H8 ;  twice  this, 
C8H]g,  is  the  formula  of  a  compound  of  the  marsh  gas,  or 
naphtha  series.  Again,  animal  oils,  by  decomposition  under 
similar  circumstances,  produce  like  results.  Removing  from 
oleic  acid  its  oxygen,  O2,  and  1  of  carbon,  together  equivalent 
to  1  of  carbonic  acid,  there  is  left  C17H3i,  which  is  an  oil  of  the 
ethylene  series.  (J.  D.  Dana.) 

Mendelejeff  (Baird's  Annual  of  1878,  p.  146)  has  proposed 
a  new  hypothesis  of  the  origin  of  petroleum.  Starting  with 
the  nebular  hypothesis,  the  author  regards  the  interior  of  the 
earth  as  metallic,  doubtless  composed  largely  of  iron,  and  car- 
bides of  iron.  Through  rents  made  by  earthquakes,  water 
gained  access  to  these  bodies  at  a  high  temperature  and  under 
great  pressure  ;  and  by  their  mutual  chemical  action  metallic 
oxides  and  saturated  hydro-carbons  resulted.  These  latter, 
carried  by  watery  vapor,  have  spread  themselves  through  the 
overlying  rocks.  Pie  gives  various  geological  and  chemical 
facts  which  go  to  sustain  his  hypothesis. 
32 


374 


APPENDIX. 


The  petroleum,  as  obtained  by  boring,  originally  contains 
several  gaseous  carbo-hydrogens,  viz.,  methane,  CII4;  propane, 
C3Hg;  and  butane  (quartane)  :  as  fluids  are  present,  pentane, 
C5H12;  hexane,  C6HU;  heptane,  C7H16;  octane,  CgH18;  nonane, 
C9H20 ;  and  further,  tridecane,  C13H28 ;  quatuordecane,  CUII30 ; 
quindecane,  C15H32.  The  higher  members  of  the  methane 
series,  the  paraffines*  proper,  containing  20  or  more  atoms 
of  C,  have  the  consistency  of  butter,  or  are  more  or  less 
crystalline  solids.  In  many  kinds  of  petroleum  they  exist  in 
a  state  of  solution,  and  may  be  separated  by  distilling  off  the 
more  volatile  portions.  Solid  paraffine  is  a  colorless,  crystal- 
line, fatty  substance,  probably  consisting  of  a  mixture,  of  seve- 
ral of  the  higher  members  of  the  series,  Cn  -{-  H2n+2. 

Alfred  Allen  has  furnished  the  following  table  serving  for 
the  distinction  of  petroleum  benzine  or  naptha  from  the  coal- 
tar  naptha  or  "  benzol" : — 


PETROLEUM  BENZINE. 

1.  Consists  of  heptane  (C7Hi6) 
to  the  amount  of  about  50  per 
cent,  and  its  homologues. 

2.  Heptane    contains     84    per 
cent.  C. 

3.  Begins  to  boil  at  140O-17QO 
Fah. 

4.  Specific  gravity  about  0.69- 
0.72. 

5.  Has  the  odor  of  petroleum. 

6.  Dissolves  iodine,  forming  a 
rasberry-red  solution. 


COAL-TAR  NAPHTA,  OR  BENZOLE. 

1.  Consists  of  benzole  (C6H6), 
and  its  homologues. 

2.  Benzole   contains    92.3   per 
cent.  C. 

3.  Begins  to  boil  at  176°  Fall. 

4.  Specific  gravity  about  0.88. 

5.  Has  the  odor  of  coal-tar. 

6.  Dissolves  iodine,  forming  a 
purple-red    solution    (similar    to 
the  aqueous  solution  of  potassium 
permanganate). 


*  From  parum  affinis,  indicating  their  chemical  indifference.  The 
name  paraffine  has  long  been  applied  to  the  solid  compounds  of  the 
series,  on  account  of  this  character;  and  many  of  the  liquid  com- 
pounds of  the  same  series  are  known  commercially  as  paraffine  oils. 
It  is  convenient,  therefore,  to  employ  the  term  paraffine  as  a  generic 
name  for  the  whole  series. 


NITROGEN    IN    ORGANIC    COMPOUNDS. 


375 


PETROLEUM  BENZINE. 

7.  Dissolves    (even  after  some 
time)  only  very  little  pitch  of  pit 
coal,  the  solution  being  scarcely 
colored. 

8.  Does  not  mix  with  carbolic 
acid,  even  when  previously  fused. 

9.  Soluble   at   a  common   tem- 
perature in  a  mixture  of  2  volumes 
of  absolute  (100  percent.)  alcohol 
or  in  4  to  5  volumes  of  methylic 
(wood  spirit),  spec.  grav.  0.828. 

10.  When  heated  with  4  vols. 
of  nitric  acid  (spec.  grav.  1.45) 
the  acid  assumes  a  brown  color, 
while  the  oil  swims  on   the  top 
of  it. 


COAL-TAR  NAPHTHA,  ou  BENZOLE. 

7.  Dissolves  coal-tar  pitch  free- 
ly, forming  a  dark-brown  liquid. 


8.  Mixes     in     all    proportions 
with  pure  carbolic  acid. 

9.  With      anhydrous     alcohol 
miscible      in      all     proportions. 
Forms  with  an  equal  volume  of 
methylic  alcohol  (sp.  grav.  0.828) 
a  homogeneous  liquid. 

10.  Readily    miscible    with    4 
volumes  of  nitric  acid  (sp.  grav. 
1.45)  with  evolution  of  heat  and 
formation  of  a  dark-brown  color. 
A    portion    of    the    nitro-benzol 
thus  produced  may,   when  cold, 
separate  as  a  distinct  layer. 


Experiment  10  serves  to  separate  petroleum-benzine  from 
light  coal-tar  oils.  The  mixture  of  the  oils  is  treated  in  a 
narrow  bolt-head,  with  attached  cpndenser,  with  nitric  acid 
(spec.  grav.  1.45).  After  the  reaction  has  almost  ceased,  the 
liquid  is  poured  into  a  narrow,  graduated  tube.  The  bulk  of 
the  upper  layer  read  off  gives  approximately  the  quantity  of 
petroleum  benzine.  The  nitro-benzol  produced  from  the  coal- 
tar  naphtha  remains  dissolved  in  the  nitric  acid.  If  a  great 
deal  of  benzol  is  present,  whereby  the  nitric  acid  is  incapable 
to  dissolve  at  all,  an  independent  layer  of  a  deep  brown  color 
collects  beneath  the  petroleum  benzine. 


Detection  of  Small  Quantities  of  Nitrogen  in 
Organic  Compounds. 

The  detection  is  based  upon  the  reaction  of  metallic  potas- 
sium, which,  when  heated  with  any  nitrogenous  organic  com- 
pound, forms  cyanide  of  potassium. 

A  piece  of  K  is  placed  at  the  bottom  of  a  narrow  test-tube, 


0/0  APPENDIX. 

ami  covered  with  the  substance  to  be  examined  ;  llie  mixture 
is  then  heated  to  redness  till  the  excess  of  K  is  volatilized,  the 
residue  dissolved  in  water  ;  the  solution  precipitated  by  ferroso- 
i'erric  salt,  e.  g.,  a  solution  of  copperas  (oxidized  by  standing 
in  the  air),  and  mixed  with  excess  of  HC1,  which,  if  cyan-ide 
of  potassium  has  been  formed,  leaves  a.  residue  of  Prussian 
blue.  Substances  not  containing  nitrogen  likewise  give  this 
reaction  if  they  contain  nitre  or  nitrous  acid..  Hydrate  or 
carbonate  of  potassium,  instead  of  potassium,  does  not  give  so 
delicate  an  indication  of  nitrogen.* 

r? 

*  Lassaigne,  J.  Chim.  nied.,   19,  201  ;  also,  Jour.  j>r.  Chem.,  20, 
p.  143;  also,  Gmelin's  Handbook. of  Chem.,  vol.  vii.  147,  153. 


INDEX. 


Absolite,  314 

Absorption-spectrum,  163 
Acanthite,  243 
Acetic  acid,  116 

detection  of,  100 

Acid  potassium  sulphate,  examina- 
tion with,  99-101 
salts,  32,  33 
Acids,  division  of,  29 
hydrogen,  29,  30 
hydroxyl,  29,  30 
oxygen,  29,  30 
properties  of,  28 
sulphur,  29,  30 
testing,  107,  108 
Acmite,  275 
Adamite,  283 
^Eschynite,  255,  324 
Agalmatolite,  306 
Agate  mo_rtar,  39 
Aikinite,  245     • 
Alabandine,  252,  285 
Alabandite,  244,  285 
Alberti te,  371 
Albite.  301 
Algodonite,  233 
Alkalies,  testing,  108,  109 
Alkaline     carbonates,     action      of 
.     cobalt,  159 

deportment    of,    with    the 
alkaline  earths,  174,  175 
earths,   chlorides   and   nitrates 

of,  solubility,  174 
deportment  of  the  alkaline 
carbonates  with,  174,  175 
examination  of,  110 
metals  of  the,  173 
sulphates  of  the,  203 
metals,  the  new,  130 
Allanite,  250,  273,  277 
Allochroite,  274,  275 
Alloclasite,  234 
Allophanc,  305 
Almandite,  275 
Altaite,  238 


Alumian,  306 

Alumina,  detecting,  139,  140 

phosphate  of.  precipitation  of, 
140 

salts,  detecting,  139,  140 
Aluminite,  303 

Aluminium  plate,  as  a  support  in 
blowpipe  analysis,  76 

subphosphate  of,  304 

sulphate  of,  303 
Alum-stone,  303 
Alunite,  303 
Amalgam,  native,  357 
Amalgams,  177, 178  • 
Amber,  371,  372 
Amblygonite,  285 
Amethyst,  325,  326 
Amianthus,  300 
Ammonia,  68, 116 

action  of,  on  cobalt,  159 

on  manganous  salt,  176, 177 
Ammonia-alum,  283,  303 
Ammonia,  detecting,  140, 141 

hydrate,  68 
Ammonic  carbonate-,  68 

chloride,  68     . 
Ammonium  chloride,  256 

sulphide,  116 

sulphydrate,  116 
Amphibole,  275,  299 
Amphithalite,  304 
Analcite,  290 

Analysis,  humid,  and  the  blowpipe, 
determination  of  minerals  by, 
207-31  )S 

Andalusite,  307 
Anglesite,  2(52 
Anhydrite,  280,  281 
Annabergfte,  2i»s 
Anorthite,  293 
Anthophylliti',  3i_>3 
Anthosidcrite,  31:.! 
Anthracite,  361) 
Antigorite,  380 
Antimonfahlerz,  240,  241 


32* 


INDEX. 


Antimonial  nickel,  243 
silver,  241 
sulphuret  of  lead  and  copper, 

240 

Antimoniates,  143,  144 
Antimonic  acid,  143 
Antimonite,  240 
Antimony,  121 

and     arsenic,     distinguishing, 

145, 146 

and  lead,  sulphides   of,   treat- 
ment of,  142 
sulphuret  of,  240 
characteristics  of,  142-144 
combined  with  copper,  separa- 
tion of,  141 
with    lead    and    bismuth, 

detection  of,  141 
compounds  of,  Plattner's  treat- 
ment of,  142 
detecting,  141-144 
from  tin,  separation  of,  194 
fusion  point  of,  142 
glance,  240 

mirror,  characteristics  of,  146 
native,  236 
ores  of,  331,  332 
oxide  of,  256 
red,  256 
spots,   characteristics   of,    145, 

146 

sulphide  of,  142 
sulphuret  of,  240 
tin,    and     copper,    oxides    of, 

treatment  of,  142 
Anvil,  39 
Apatite.  285,  315 
Aphthitalite,  278 
Apophyllite,  290 
Apparatus    and    manipulations    in 

the  laboratory,  38-58 
and  method  employed  for  sub- 
mitting test  substances  to  the 
flame,  112-114 
for  Marsh's  tests,  147 
for  observations  of  flame  colora- 
tions, 105 

Aqua  regia,  67,  116 
Aragonite,  310 
Arfvedsonite,  275 
Argand  burner,  54 
Argentic  nitrate,  68 
'Argentite,  231 
Arkansite,  253,  282,  324 
Arsenate  of  calcium,  281 
Arsenic,  121,  144-150 

and   antimony,   distinguisluiii}-. 
145, 146 


Arsenic,  characteristics  of,  144 

distil  phide,  256 

in  minerals  containing  no  sul- 
phur, test  for,  148-150 

mirror,  characteristics  of,  146 

native,  232 

ores  of,  332,  333 

Reinech's  test  for,  150 

spots,    characteristics    of,   145, 
146 

sulphide  of,  142 

trisulphide,  256 

white,  256 
Arsenicum,  144-150 
Arseniosiderite,  269 
Arsenio-sulphuret  of  iron,  235,  236 
Arsenious  acid,  256 

small  traces   of,   detection 
of,  149 

and  arsenic  acids,  examination 

of,  149 
reduction  of,  144,  145 

hydride,  decomposition  of,  145 

gas,  145 
Arsenite,  256 
Arsenomelane,  232 
Arsenopyrite,  235,  236,  252 
Asb'estos,  blue,  275 

fibres  of,  114 
Asperolite,  316 
Asphaltum,  370,  371 
Assay,  supports  for,  75-78 

tubes  for  arsenic,  149-150 
Assays,   small,   phenomena    to    be 

considered  in,  117 
Astrophyllite,  274 
Atacamite,  2(55 
Atlasite,  265,  267 

Atmospheres,  solar  and  stellar,  137 
Atomicity  of  elements,  32-35 
Atomic  weights  of   the   elements, 

table  of,  36-38 
Atoms,  linking  of,  34 

terms  applied  to  various,  .'>:» 
Augite,  275,  299 
Aurichalchite,  266 
Aurotellurite,  239 
Automaton  blowpipe,  84 

hand  blowpipe,  84,  85 
Autunite,-286 

Auxiliary  apparatus  and  manipula- 
tions in  the  laboratory,  38-58 
Avogadro's  law,  27 
Axinite,  298 
Azurite,  266 

Babingtonite,  275 
Baric  chloride,  69 


INDEX. 


379 


B.irir  nitrate,  68 

Barite,  2S1 

Barium,  examination  of,  110 

flame,  spectrum  of,  129 

spectrum  lines  of,  138 

sulphate  of,  281 
Barnhardtite,  245 
Barsowite,  289 

Baryta,  characteristics  of,  150 
Baryto-calcite,  311 
Bases,  30,  31 

oxygen,  30,  31 
Basic  hydroxides,  31 

salts,  32,  33 
Bastite,  318 
Bastnasite,  316 
Bauxite,  323 
Beakers,  the,  41,  43 
Behavior  of  the  elements  at  high 
temperatures,  112-114 

of  the  most  important  ores  be- 
fore the   blowpipe  and  with 
solvents,  330-368 
Bellows,  double,  for  hand  use,  83 
Belonite,  245 
Bending  and   closing  glass   tubes, 

56-58 

Benzine,  374,  375 
Benzole,  374,  375 
Beraunite,  272 
Berlinite,  304 
Berthierite,  243 
Beryl,  164;  326 
BerzeHanite,  237 

Berzelius  and  Plattner's  lamp,  78, 79 
Berzelius's  test  for  bromine,  153 

for  small  traces  of  urscui- 

ous  acid,  149 
Beyrichite,  247 
Biborate  of  sodium,  279 
Biliary  theory  of  chemistry,  25 
Bindheimite,  260 
Binnite,  :1'.\:>' 

Biotite,  296,  321,  322  *<^"\ 
Bismuth,   121,   150,  151,   234,   235, 
248,  249 

acicular,  245 

and  tin,  separation  of,  193 

characteristics  of,  150,  151 

nickel,  245 

ores  of,  333,  334 

oxide  of,  283 

selenideof,  2:5(5 

silicate  of,  276 

telluret  of,  2:59 
Bismuthinite,  :J4s 
Bismuthous  nitrate,  116 
P.ismutite,  276 


Bisulphuret  of  iron,  246 
Bitumen,  elastic,  372 
Bituminous  coal,  369,  370 
Black  copper  ore,  266 

lead,  254 

Blast-lamps,  81-86 
Bloedite,  278 
Blowers,  foot,  55,  56 
Blowing  machine,  85 

with  the  blowpipe,  71,  72 
Blowpipe  analysis  and    apparatus, 
69-92 

and  humid  analysis,  determina- 
tion of  minerals  by,  207-368 

flame,  72-75 

furnace,  54 

lamps,  78-80 

mouth,  69-71 

reagents,  89-91 

treatment  of  oxides  with,  99 
Blowpipes  and   blast-lamps,  fixed, 

81-86 
Blue  iron  earth,  271 

vitriol,  265 
Bog  iron  ore,  312 
Boltonite,  321 
Bonds  of  attraction,  34 
Boracic  acid,  151,  153 
Boracite,  281,  284 

Borate  of  sodium,  detection  of,  152 
Borax,  279 

behavior    of    metallic    oxides 
with,  94 

reactions  of  oxides  with,  99 
Boric  acid,  151,  153,  284 

compounds    of,     with    an 

alkali  testing,  152 
testing,  108 
Borickite,  271 " 
Bornite,  244 

determination  of,  222 
Borocalcite,  279 
Borosilicate  of  calcium,  286 
Botryogen,  269 
Boulangerite,  241 
Bournonite,  241 
Braunite,  251 
Breithauptite,  243 
Brewstrite,  291 
Brochantite,  265,  266 
Brogniardite,  242 
Bromide,  detection  of, 
Bromine,  116,  152,  153 

detecting,  153 
Brongniartine,  280,  281 
Bronzite,  :'.2:; 
Brookiti',  255.  324 
Knnvn  coal,  370 


380 


INDEX. 


Brown  hematite,  253 

spar,  310 
Brucite,  309,  310 
Brushite,  288 
Buch's  hammer,  39 
Bulb-tubes,  89 
Bunsen   and   Kirchhoff,  researches 

of,  127,  134 
burner,  use  of,  220 
gas-burner,  81 
holder,  113 

Bunsen's    burner,   use  of,    in    the 
examination  of  flame  colora- 
tions, 104,  107 
flame  reactions,  111,  112 

chemical  reagents  em- 
ployed for,  115,  116 
gas  blowpipe  and  blast-lamp, 

83,  84 

gas-burner,  53,  54 
gas-larnp,  111,  112 
Buratite,  206 
Burners,  52,  53,  54 

Cacoxenite,  271 
Cadmium,  121,  153,  154 

detection  of,  153,  154 

sulphuret  of,  313 

treatment  of,  153 
Caesium,  discovery  of,  130 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 
Calamine,  301,  309 
Calcite,  310 

Calcium,    anhydrous   sulphate    of, 
280 

carbonate  of,  310 

flame,  spectrum  of,  129 

hydrated  sulphate  of,  280 

phosphate  of,  315 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 
Calomel,  178,  257 
Cancrinite,  282 
Carat,  329,  330 
Carbon,  154,  155 

compounds,  154,  155 

dioxide,  detection  of,  101 

group,  328,  330 

monoxide,  154 

detection  of,  101 

Carbonaceous  compound,  369-372 
Carbonate  of  ammonia,  68 

of  barium,  280 

and  calcium,  311 

of  calcium  and  sodium,  280 

of  lead,  261 

of  silver,  259,  260 

of  sodium,  action  of,  on  cobalt, 
159 


Carbonic  dioxide,  154 

test,  40 

Carburet  of  iron,  254 
Carmenite,  246 
Carnallite,  27!) 
Carpholite,  294 
Carphosiderite,  270 
Carrol  lite,  246 
Cassiterite,  254,  324,  325 
Castor,  297 
Catapleiite,  291 
Caustic  potash,  69 

action  of,  on  cobalt,  159 
potassa,    action    of,    on    chro- 
mium, 157 
soda  solution,  115 
!  Cellestine,  281 
'  Cerargyrite,  259 
Cerite,  317 

decomposition  of,  155 
Cerium,  155, 156 
oxide  of,  312 
protoxide  of,  156 
Cerolite,  319,  322 
Ceroxide,  156 
Cerussite,  262 
Cervautite,  311 
Chabazite,  291 
Chalcedony,  325,  326 
Chalcocite',  246 
Chalcodite,  273 
Chalcolit,  267 
Chalcophyllite,  264 
Chalcopyrite,  244,  245 
Chalcostibite,  242,  243 
Charcoal  borers,  75,  76 

rod,  reduction  on  the,  118 
rods,  114 

supports  for  assay,  75 
Chemical  affinity,  25 

combination  by  volume,  law  of, 

26,27 

compounds,  complex,  detect- 
ing certain  elements  in,  139- 
202 

law,  fundamental,  26,  27 
mixtures,  testing,  107-111 
notation,  25 
philosophy  25-38 
properties  of  minerals,  219 
reagents  for  Bunsen's  flame  re- 
action, 115,  116 
solution,  220 
system,  changes  of  notation  in, 

28 
new  changes  of  notation  in, 

28 
Chemically  pure  water,  59-62 


INDEX. 


381 


Chemistry,  solar  and  stella,  134-137 

theories  of,  25-38 
Chenevixite,  264 
Childrenite,  248,  315 
Chiolite,  282 
Chloride  of  ammonia,  08 

of   ammonium,   action    of,   on 
man<ranous  salt,  176 

of  barium,  69.  i:>s 

of  copper,  265 

of  platinum,  68 

Chlorides  and  nitrates  of  the  alka- 
line earths,  solubility  of,  174 

detection  of,  156 
Chlorine,  100,  156,  157 
Chlorite,  319,  322 
Chloritoid,  1522 
Chloropal,317,  318 
Chlorospinel,  327,  328 
Chodneffite,  282 
Chondroarsenite,  283 
Chonicrite,  290-292 
Chromate  of  lead,  261 

and  copper,  262 

Chromic  acid,  characteristics  of,  158 
detection  of,  101 
testing,  108 

iron,  254. 

oxide,  detection  of,  157 

salts,  detection  of,  157 
Chromite,  254 
Chromium,  157-159 

and  vanadium,  the  same  reac- 
tions in,  157 

compounds,  125 

detection  of,  97 

ores  of,  334,  335 

oxide  of,    minerals    containing 
but  little,  treatment  of,  157 

recognition  of,  116 

sesquioxide  of,  157 

trioxide,  detection  of,  101 
Chrondrodite,  320 
Chrysoberyl,  308 
Chrysocolla,  316,  317 
Chrysotile,  318,  319,  320 
Cimolite,  305 
Cinnabar,  244,  257 
Clarification    or    synopsis    of   the  I 

tables,  key  to,  226-228 
Clausthalite,  237 
Clinoclasite,  :-C>4 
Clintonite,  320 
Cloanthite,  2:'.."> 
Closed  glass-tubes,   reductions  in, 

118 

Coal,  successive  stages  and  nature 
of  its  conversion,  370 


Coal-tar  naphtha,  374,  375 
Coals,  369,  370 

Coating's  or  incrustations  on  porce- 
lain, 118-120 
Cobalt,  159,  160,  314 
blue,  268 
compounds,  122 
ores  of,  335,  336 
oxides  of,  159 
peroxide  of,  160 
pyrites,  246 
solution,  colorations  caused  by, 

103 

examination  with,  102,  103 
Cobaltic  oxide,  160 
Cobaltus  cobaltic  hydrate,  159 
hydroxide,  159 
oxide,  159 

salt,  neutral  solution  of,  treat- 
ment of,  159 
Cobellite,  241 
Coeruleolactite,  304 
Collyrite,  305 

Colorations  caused  by  cobalt  solu- 
tion, 103 
Color  of  minerals,  observations  of, 

210 
Colored  flames,  flame  reactions,  and 

spectrum  analysis,  103-139 
Colors  in  flame  colorations,  table 

of,  104,  105 

of   flames,    detection    of    sub- 
stances by,  127 
Columbite,  254,  255 
Columbium,  160 
pentoxide,  97 

detection  of,  101 
Combination  by  volume,  chemical 

law  of,  26,  27 

Complex  chemical  compounds, 
detecting  certain  elements  in, 
139-202 

Compounds,  detection  of,  375,  376 
Comptonite,  287 
Conichalcite,  264 
Continuous  spectrum,  128,  163 
Cookeite,  21)6 
Copiapite,  270 
Copper,  160-162 

and     bismuth,     sulphuret    of, 

244 

and  iron,  sulphuret  of,  244 
and  lead,  selehieuret  of,  237 
and  tin,  separation  of,  193 
anhydrous,  carbonate  of,  266 
blue,  carbonate  of,  266 
chloride  of,  265 
compounds.  1  •_'  [ 


382 


INDEX. 


Copper,  compounds  of  oxides  of, 
263 

detection  of,  160,  161 

examination  of,  110,  111 

gray,  242 

preen,  carbonate  of,  266 

metallic,  162 

mica,  264 

native,  231 

nickel,  235 

ore,  black,  266 
red,  249 

ores  of,  336-340 

phosphate  of,  267 

prismatic  arsenate  of,  264 

pyrites,  244 

variegated,     determination 
of,  222 

recognition  of,  116 

red  oxide  of,  266 

selenieuret  of,  237  N 

sulphate  of,  265 

sulphuret  of,  244 

variegated,  244 
Copperas,  269 
Coquimbite,  270 
Cordierite,  326 
Corks,  50,  51 
Cornwallite,  265 
Corundum,  308 

detecting,  139 
Corynite,  235 
Cotunnite,  257 
Covellite,  265 
Crednerite,  251 
Crocidolite,  275 
Crocoisite,  261 
Crocoite,  261 
Cronstedtite,  272 
Crookesite,  237 
Crucible  tongs,  49,  50 
Crucibles,  48,  49 

supports  for,  51-53 
Cryolite,  281 
Cryophyllite,  292 
Crystallization,  217,  218 

names    used    by    different 

authors,  218 
systems  of,  218 
Cubanite,  244 
Cupreine,  246 
Cupric  oxide,  161 
Cuprite,  249,  266 
Cuproplurnbite,  245,  246 
Cuprous  oxide,  161 
Cutting  pliers,  40,  89 
Cyanic  acid,  detection  of,  100 
Cyanochalcite,  3L6,  317 


|  Dalton's  contributions  to  chemistry, 
26 

Danatite,  287 

Danburite,  295 

Datolite,  286 

Datolith',  286 

Decantation     and    precipitation, 
41-43 

Dechenite,  261,  262 

Decomposition  by  acids,  221,  222 
of  light,  128 

Deflagration,  205 

Delessite,  322 

Deportment  of  the  alkaline  carbo- 
nates with  the  alkaline  earths, 
174, 175 

Descloizite,  263 

Detecting  certain  elements  in  com- 
plex chemical  compounds,  139-202 

Determination   of  minerals   by  ex- 
periments with  the  blowpipe  and 
humid  analysis,  207-368 
i  Determinative  mineralogy,  207-368 

Deweylite,  292 

Diadochite,  271 
j  Diallage,  297 
I  Diallogite,  310,  311,  312 
j  Diamond,  328-330 

steel  mortar,  38 
i  Diamonds,  valuation  of,  329,  330 

Diaspore,  305 

Didymium,  162,  163 

salts,  solutions  of,  163 

Digenite,  246 
I  Diopside,  295,  299 

Dioptase,  316 

Dishes  and  crucibles,  48,  49 

Disthene,  307 

Disterrite,  307 

Distilling  apparatus  for  water, 
59-62 

Dolomite,  310 

Dorneykite,  232,  233 

Double  salts,  33 

Dualism,  chemical.  25,  26 

Dualistic  theory,  a  discovery  as  to 
salts  which  disposes  of  it,  32 

Dufrenite,  271 

Dufidnoywte,  232,  233 

Dumas,  discovery  of  substitution 
by,  26 

Durangite,  283 

Dyaphorite,  242 

Dyscrapsite,  241,  242 

Dysulite,  328 

Edelforsite,  302 
Edingtonite,  286 


IXDKX. 


383 


Eh ntc,  2<jr 

F.kel)cr»ite,  29:! 
Ekmannite,  273 
Elastic  bitumen,  372 
Elaterite,  372 

Electro-chemical  theory  of  chemis- 
try, 25,  2IJ 

Elements  at  high  temperature,  be- 
havior of,  112-114 
ignition  of,  117 
atomic  weights  of,  36-38 
in     complex     chemical     com- 
pounds, detecting,  139-202 
which  can   be  best  recognized 
from  the  reactions  of  their 
compounds,  121-127 
Emerald  nickel,  312 
Emery,  308 

detecting,  139 
Emerylite,  296 
Emission    of    light,     ascertaining, 

117 

Enargite,  232,  233 
Epsomite,  278,  282 
Epsom  salt,  278 
Erbium,  163 
Erinite,  265 

Erlenmeyer's  argand  burner,  54 
Erubescite,  244 
Erythrite,  268 
Eucairite,  237 
Euchroite,  265 
Euclase,  164,  326 
Eudialyte,  288  ' 
Eukenite,  325 
Eukolite,  293 
Eulytite,  276 
EuphyHite,  298 
Euraltte,  273 
Eusynchite,  262,  263 
Evansite,  304 
Evaporation,  46,  47 
Examination,  methods  of,  117-120 
of  minerals  with  soda,  96-98 
of  the  assay  in   the   platinum 
forceps  for  flame  colorations, 
103-105 

with  acid  potassium  sulphate 
or  concentrated  sulphuric 
acid,  99-101 

with  cobalt  solution,  102,  103 
with  zinc  and  hydrofluoric  acid, 
after  previous  decomposition 
(fusion)  of  the  mineral,  101 
Examinations  of  metals  with  sodium 

thiosulphate,  98,  Ji'.» 
Experiments   in  flame   colorations, 
105-107 


Fats  for  lamps,  80 
Fayalite,  249 
Feldspars,  301 
Ferberrite,  275 
Ferric  acid,  170 

oxide,      characteristics      of, 

168-170 
Ferrocyanide  of  potassium,  116 

action   of,    on    manganous 

salt,  177 
action  of,  with  ferrous  salts, 

168 

Ferroilmenite,  254 

Ferrous  oxide,  167 

salts,  167 

action    of,   on    chloride  of 
gold  and  nitrate  of  silver, 
168 
action   of   sulphydric  acid 

on,  167 
action  of  various  substances 

on, 167, 168 
Fibroferite,  270 
File,  triangular,  89 
Filtering  stands,  44 
Filtration,  43-46 
Fischerite,  304 
Fixed  blowpipes  and   blast-lamps, 

Fauserite.  283 

Flame  blowpipe,  72-75 

colorations,  103-105,  117 

apparatus  for,  105 
coloring     elements,    spectrum 

lines  of,  133 

reactions,  reducible  to  metals, 
yielding  no  incrustations, 
121-124 

Bunsen's,  111,112 
elements  recognized  by,  120 
general  review  of,  120-127 
submitting    test    substance    to 

the, 112-114 
Flames,  colored, flame  reactions,  and 

spectrum  analysis,  103-139 
detection  of  substances  by  the 

colors  of,  127 
examination     of,    through      a 

prism,  127,  128 
Flaming,  71,  72 
Fletcher-Plattner  blowpipe  furnace, 

54 

Fletcher's  blowpipe  lamp,  79,  80 
burners,  53,  54 
chemical  blowpipe,  82,  83 
hot-blast  blowpipe,  86 

chemical  blowpipe,  70,  71 
new  mouth  blowpipe,  85 


384 


INDEX. 


Flintstone,  325,  326 

Fluocerite,  316 

Fluoride  ol  sodium  and  aluminium, 

281 

Fluorides,  164 
Fluorine,  163,  164 
Fluorite,  281 

Flux  most  commonly  used,  203 
Fluxing  and  fusion,  203-206 

for  the  analysis  of  the  sulphates 
of  the  alkaline  earths,  203 

how  the  term  is  applied,  203 
Foot  blowers,  55,  56 
Forceps  with  platinum  points,  88 
Foster's  lamp,  80 
Franklinite,  251,  252 
Frauenhofer  lines,  134 
Freiberg1  hammer,  39 

lamp,  78,  79 
Freieslebenite,  242 
French    weights      and     measures, 

223-226 
Frenzelile,  236 
Fuel  lamps,  78-80 
Fuming  hydriodic  acid,  115 
Fusibility-  from  1-5  or  easily  vola- 
tilized, 232-251 

of  minerals,  209 

scale  of,  209 

six  grades  of,  117 
Fusion,  how  the  term  is  applied,  203 

and  fluxing,  203-206 

Gadolinite,  200,  201,  320 

analysis  of,  201 
Gahnite,  327 
Galena,  244 
Galenite,  241,  244 

Galls,  tincture  of,  action  of,  on  fer- 
rous salts,  168 
Garnet,  327 

almandine,  275 
Gas-bottle,  51 
Gas-burner,  Bunsen's,  81 
Gases,  colors  and  odors  of  different, 

evolved,  100,  101 
molecules    of,     in    compound 

bodies,  law  of,  26,  27 
Gay-Lussac's  contributions  to  chem- 
istry ,-26,  27 
law  of  combination  by  volume, 

26,27 

Gay-lussite,  280 
Gearksutite,  282 
Gehlenite,  289,  320 
General  review  of  flame  reactions, 

120-127 
Genthite,  318 


Geocronite,  241 
Gerhardt's  residues,  34,  35 

system  of  chemical  notation,  25 
Gersdorffite,  235 
Gibbsite,  304 
Gillingite,  274 
Gismondite,  287 
Glaserite,  278 
Glass-beads,  fused,  118 
Glasses  for  examinations  of  flame 

colorations,  105,  106 
Glass-tubes,   bending   and   closing, 

56-58 

Glauber  salt,  278 
Glauberite,  280,  281 
Glaucodot,  234 
Glaucolite,  293 
Glauconite,  275 
Glucina,  164,  165 

combinations  in  which  it  occurs, 

164,  165 

Goethite,  312,  313 
Gold,  165,  166 

compounds,  123 

native,  230,  231 

ores  of,  341-343 

testing,  116 

Goldschmidt's  test  for  bromine,  153 
Goslarite,  283 
Grahamite,  371 
Graphic  tellurium,  239 
Graphite,  254,  369 
Green  earth,  275 
Greenockite,  313 
Grossularite,  294,  301 
Guadalcazarite,  236,  237 
Guanajuatite,  236 
Guarinite,  300 
Gvmnite,  319 
Gypsum,  280.  281 

Haematite,  249,  252 
Halite,  279 
Halloysite,  305 
Halogens,  28 
Hammers,  39 
Hardness  of  minerals,  210 

scale  of,  210 
Harmotome,  298 
Hatchetin,  372 
Hauerite,  244,  252 
Hausmannite,  251 
Hausmann's  hammer,  39 
Hauynite,  285,  287 
Heating  an  assay  on  charcoal  in  the 

blowpipe  flame,  75,  76 
Heavy  spar,  281 
Hebronitc,  286 


INDEX. 


385 


Hedenbergite,  209 
Hedyphane,  260 

Hclvite,  287 

Hematite,  272,  312,  313 

Herapath  blowpipe,  81,  82 

Hessite,  238 

Heterogenite,  268 

Hexagonal  mica,  321 

High  temperatures,  behavior  of  the 
elements  at,  112-114 

Hipostilbite,  291 

Homichline,  245 

Hornblend,  299 
black,  275 

Hortonolite,  249,  273 

Howlite,  295 

Huascolite,  244,  246 

Huggins,  Mr.,  substances  discov- 
ered by,  in  the  atmosphere  of  the 
stars,  137 

Humboldt,  Alexander,  contribu- 
tions to  chemistry,  26 

Hureaulite,  270 

Hutchinson's  hammer,  39 

Hyalophane,  301,  325 

Hydraeids,  29 

Hydrates  and  oxides  of  metals,  31 

Hydric  sulphide,  (H-OO 
detection  of,  100 

Hydroboracite,  284 

Hydroborate  of  calcium  and  magne- 
sium, 284 

Hydrochleric  acid  and  zinc,  exami- 
nation with,  101 
detection  of,  100 
testing,  108 

Hydrofluoric  acid,  66,  67,  164 
detection  of,  100 

Hydrogen  acids,  29,  30 

Hydro-hematite,  313 

Hydromagnocalcite,  309 

Hydrostatic  balance,  211 

Hydrotalcite,  312 

Hydrous  ammonium  sulphate,  256, 

257 

phosphate  of  iron  and  manga- 
nese, 270 

Hydroxides,  basic,  :>1 

Hydroxyl  acids,  29,  30 

Hydrozincite,  309 

Hyposulphite  of  sodium,  examina- 
tions of  metals  with,  98,  99 

Hystatite,  253 

Ignition   of   the  elements  ut    high 

temperatures,  117 
I les's  reaction  for  boric  acid,  l.Y> 
33 


Illuminating  gas,  81 
Ilmenite,  253 

Incrustations  or  coatings  on  porce- 
lain, 118, 120 
Indices  of  Valence,  34 
Indium,  121 

discovery  of,  130 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 
Infusible  or  infusibility  above  5,  and 

non-volatile,  251-255 
Inorganic  substances,  tests  of,  91, 92 
Insolubility,  220 
lodargyrite,  259 
Iodide  films,  120 

of  silver,  166 
Iodides,  166 
Iodine,  166 

compound,  test  of,  153 

detection  of,  100 
Iridium,  166,  167 

compounds,  123 

ores  of,  341-343 
Iridosimine,  255 
Iron,  167,  170 

and  manganese,  phosphate  of, 
270 

and  nickel,  sulphuret  of,  245 

arsenio-sulphuret  of,  235,  236 

compounds,  121,  122 

hydrated  peroxide  of,  274 

lime  garnet,  274 

magnetic,  249,  252 

ore,  red,  249,  252,  272 

ores  of,  343-350 

oxides  of,  167 

peroxide  of,  272 

pyrites,  246 

recognition  of,  116 

sesquioxide  of,  168-170 

spar,  310 

specular,  272 

vitriol,  269 
Isoclasite,  285 
Isometric  iron  pyrites,  247 
Ittnerite,  287 

Jacobsite,  252 

Jalpaite,  243 

Jamcsonite,  240 

Jargons,  202 

Jarosite,  270 

Jasper,  325,  326 

Jefferisite,  291 

Jefferson i to,  299 

Jolly's  spring  balance,  214-21(5 

.lully!.-,  290 

Jordanite,  232 


386 


INDEX. 


Kainite,  283 

Kammererite,  319 

Kaolin,  305 

Kaolinite,  278,  305 

Kassiterite,  309 

Keramohalite,  283 

Kermesite,  256 

Key  to  the  general  classification  or 

synopsis  of  the  tables,  226-228 
Kieserite,  278,  282 
Kilbrickenite,  241 
Kjerulflne,  285 
Klaprothite,  246 
Klipsteinite,  250,  289 
Kuebelite,  274 
Kreittonite,  326 


Labradorite.  293,  294,  301  -^ 
Lamp,  alcohol ,-  79,  80 
Lamps,  fuel,  78-80 
Lanarkite,  261 
Langite,  266 
Lapis-lazuli,  288,  292 
Larderellite,  284 
Lasurstein,  288,  292 
Laumontite,  286 
Laxmannite,  263 
Lazulite,  306 
Lead, 121, 170,  171 

and    antimony,    sulphides    of, 
treatment  of,  142 

and  copper,  seleuiuret  of,  237 

arsenate,  260 

and  chloride  of,  260 

carbonate  of,  261 

chloride  of,  257 

cuprous,  sulphate  of,  261 

molybdate  of,  262 

native,  231 

ores  of,  350-355 

sesqui-chromate  of,  261 

sulphate  of,  262 

superoxide  of,  250 

tungstate  of,  262 
Leadhillite,  262 
Lehrbachite,  236 
Lepidolite,  276,  296 
Lepidomelane,  274,  276,  277 
Leuchtenbergite,  322 
Leucite,  308,^321 
Leucophanite,  297 
Libethenite,  267 
Lievrite,  250,  273 
Light,  compound  nature  of,  128 

decomposition  of,  128 

refraction  of,  128 

refrangibility  of,  129 

white,  composition  of,  128,  129 


Lime,  171,  172 

harmotome,  287 
Lime-alumina-garnet,  294 
Limonite,  253,  312 
Limonites,  274 
Linking  of  atoms,  34 
Linnarite,  261 
Liquor  ammonise,  68 
Liroconite,  264 
Lithia,  172,  173,  270 

tourmaline,  308 
Lithionite,  276 
Lithiophorite,  251,  311 
Lithium      compounds,       spectrum 
analysis  of,  130 

flame,  spectrum  of,  129 

salts  of,  172,  173 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 

testing,  109 

Litmus  paper,  preparation  of,  63 
Lolingite,  252 
Lbweite,  278 
Ludwigite,  269,  311 
Lunar  caustic,  68 
Luneburgite,  285 
Lunnite,  267 

Lustre,  minerals  without  metallic, 
256,  257 

of  minerals,  209 

of  the  mineral,  noting  the,  208 

Magnesia,  173-175 

characteristics  of,  173 

hydrate  of,  309 
Magnesite,  310 
Magnesium,  310,  327 

borate  of,  284 

hydrated  silicate  of,  319 

pyrophosphate  of,  175 

sulphate  of,  278 
Magnetic  iron,  249,  252 

needle,  89 

pyrites,  247 
Magnetite,  249,  252 
Magnets,  40,  89 
Magnifying  glass,  40 
Magnoferrite,  253 
Malachite,  266,  295,  297 
Malgonite,  230 
Malleable    metals     and     mercury, 

230-232 
Manganese,  175-177,  249,  314 

black  silicate  of,  250 

carbonate  of,  311 

characteristics  of,  175,  176 

compounds,  126 

detection  of,  97 

dioxide,  176 


IXDKX. 


387 


Manganese,  ores  of,  355-357 

oxide  of,  25:>,  2*3 

peroxide  of,  252 

recognition  of,  116 
Manganic  acid.  17(5 

oxide,  176,'  177 
Manganite,  251,  252 
Man.ganous  oxide,  175 
Manipulations    in  the    laboratory, 

38-58 

Marcasite,  247 
Margarite,  296 
Margarodite,  322 
Marmatite,  313 
Mannol itc,  319 
Marsh's  test  apparatus,  147 
Mascagnite,  25(5,  257 
Measuring  the  spectrum,  1"8,  139 
Meerschaum,  290,  292,  318 
Megabasite,  276 
Meionite,  289 
Melaconite,  2fi6 
Melanocroite,  261 
Melanterite,  269,  270 
Melilite,  289 
Meionite,  238 
Menaccannite,  253 
Mendelejeff,  D.  J.,  investigations  of, 

in  regard  to  uranium,  198 
Meneghinite,  241 
Mercuric  cyanide,  116 

oxide,  178 
Mercurous  chloride,  257 

chlorides,  178 

compounds,  177 

salts,  178 
Mercury,  121 

metallic,  178 

native,  231,  232 

ores  of,  357,  358 

selenide  of,  236 

sulphuret  of,  257 
Mesitine,  311 
Mesitite,  311,  312 
Mesolite,  287 
Metaeinnabarite,  248 
Metallic  films  or  incrustations,  sepa- 
ration of,  119 

lustre,  minerals  with,  226-229, 

230-255 

minerals  without,  227-229, 
256,  257 

matters,  elimination  of,  97 

oxides,  reduction  of,  97 

with  borax,  behavior  of,  94 
with    salt   of    phosphorus, 
95 

sulphides,  127 


Metals,     examinations      of,     with 

sodium  thiosulphate,  98,  99 
hydrates  and  oxides  on,  31 
native,  malleable,  and  mercury, 

230-232 

Metantimonic  acid,  143 
Metastanic  acid,  193 
Metatungstic  acid,  196,  197 
Metaxite,  319 

Methods  of  examination,  117-120 
Miarygyrite,  242 
Mica,  307 
Micas,  321 

Miller,  Prof.  W.  A.,  substances  dis- 
covered by,  in  the  atmosphere  of 
the  stars,  137 
Millerite,  246,  247,  248 
Mimetisite,  260 
Mineral  caoutchouc,  372 
Mineralogy,  determinative,  207-368 
Minerals,  altered   reactions  of  im- 
pure, 217 
containing  oxide  of  chromium, 

treatment  of,  157 
determination  of,  with  experi- 
ments with  the  blowpipe  and 
humid  analysis,  207-368 
easily  volatile  or  combustible, 

256,  257 
examination    of,     with     soda, 

96-98 

grouping  for  testing,  219 
infusible    or   fusible    above    5, 

303-328 

preparation  of,  for  the  blow- 
pipe, 38-40 

species  selected  for  the  study 
of  determinative  mineralogy, 
222,  223 

»  tables  of,  introduction  to,  207 
which  fuse  easily  and  volatilize 
only  partially  or  not  at  all, 
258-302 
with  metallic  lustre,  226,  ±27, 

280-255 
without    metallic    lustre,   227- 

229,  256,  257 
Minium,  261 
Mispiekel,  L.':'.:>,  236 
Mock  diamonds,  330 
Mohr's  hydrostatic  balance.,  211 
Molecules  of  compound  bodir.--,  law 

of,  26,  27 

Molybdate  of  ammonia,  6S 
Molybdenite,  254 
Molybdenum,  17S-1SO 
compounds,  124 
recognition  of,  116 


388 


INDEX. 


Molybdie  acid  testing  los 
trioxidc,  detection  of,  101 

Molybdite,  276 

Monazite,  315 

Monradite,  320 

Monticellite,  321 

Monzonite,  302 

Mordenite,  292 

Morenosite,  269 

Mortar,  agate,  39 
diamond  steel,  38 

Mosandrite,  291 

Mouth  blowpipe,  G9-71 

Muellerite,  239 

Muriatic  acid,  67 

Muscovite,  296,  307,  321 

Myeline,  306 

Myrabalite,  278 

Myrgyrite,  259 

Mysorine,  266 

Nadorite,  260 
Nagyagite.  239 
Naphtha,  374,  375 
Native  malleable  metals  and  mer- 
cury, 230-232 
Natokite,  265 
Natrolite,  286 
Naumannite,  237 
Needle  spar,  310 
Nernalite,  310 
Neolite,  320 
Nephelite,  288 
Nephrite;  300 
Nessler's  test,  140 
Neutral  salts,  32 
New  or  unitary  system  of  chemistry, 

25-38 
Newton,  Sir  Isaac,  experiment  of, 

on  light,  128,  129 
Niccolite,  235 
Nickel,  180,  181,  234 

compounds,  122 

emerald,  312 

ores  of,  359-361 

to  detect,  with  cobalt,  160 

vitriol,  269 
Nickelbluethe,  268 
Nickeliferous  gray  antimony,  243 
Nickeline,  235,  243 
Niobian  compounds,  125 
Niobite,  254 
Niobium,  160 
Nippers,  40 
Nitrate  of  baryta,  68 

of  potassium,  277   . 

of  silver,  68 

solution,  115 


Nitrate  of  sodium,  277 
Nitrates,  181,182 

and   chlorides   of  the   alkaline 

earths,  solubility  of,  174 
Nitratine,  277 
Nitric  acid,  67, 116,  181, 182 

testing,  107, 108 
Nitrogen  tetroxide  fumes,  detection 

of,  100 

Nitrous  acid,  testing,  107,  108 
Nohlite,  297 
Normal  salts,  32 
Nosite,  288 
Notation,  changes  of,  in   the  new 

chemical  system,  28 
Nuttallite,  293 

Oblique  mica,  321 

Obsidian,  302 

Ochre,  brown,  312 

Octahedrite,  324 

Okenite,  287,  290 

Oligoclase,  301 

Olive  oil,  78 

Olivenite,  264 

Opal,  325 

Optical  investigation   of  minerals, 

217 

Ore,  and  what  it  is,  330 
Ores,  behavior  of,  before  the  blow- 
pipe and  with  solvents,  330- 
368 

of  antimony,  331,  332 

of  arsenic,  332,  333 

of  bismuth,  333,  334 

of  chromium,  334,  335 

of  cobalt,  335,  336 

of  copper,  336-340 

of  gold,  platinum,  iridium,  and 
palladium,  341-343 

of  iridium,  341-343 

•of  iron,  243-350 

of  lead.  350-355 

of  manganese,  355-357 

of  mercury,  357,  358 

of  nickel,  359-361 

of  palladium,  341-343 

of  silver,  361-366 

of  tin,  366,  367 

of  zinc,  367,  368 
Organic  acids,  detection  of,  101 
Orpiment,  256 
Orthite,  200 
Orthoclase,  301,  325 
Ortho- rhombic  iron  pyrite,  247 
Osmium  compounds,  123 
Oxacids,  29 
Oxalate  of  ammonium,  69,  280 


INDEX. 


389 


Oxalate  of  calcium,  280  |  Pharmacosiderite,  208 

Oxidation    and   reduction   of   sub-    Phenacite,  326 

stances,  118 

Oxide  incrustations,  119 
Oxides  and  hydrates  of  metals,  31 


behavior  of,  treated  before  the 


Phenakite,  164 
Phillipsite,  287 
Philosophy,  chemical,  25-38 


Phlogopite,  322 


blowpipe  with  sodium  thio-    Phoenicochroite,  261 
sulphate,  99  |  Pholerite,  305 

metallic,    behavior      of,     with  I  Phosphate  of  alumina,  precipitation 
.  borax,  94  of,  140 

of  ammonium-magnesium,  281 
of  iron  and  manganese,  270 
of  soda,  68 
of  sodium,  175 


with   salt  of  phospho- 
rus, 95 

reduction  of,  97 
reactions  of,  with  borax,  99 


with  general  reagents,  93- 

103 

Oxygen,  181,  183 
acids,  29 
bases,  30,  31 
Ozocerite,  373 

Pachnolite,  282 
Palagonite,  273 
Palladium,  182,  183,  231 

compounds,  122 

detection  of,  116 

occurrence  of,  182 

ores  of,  341-343 
Paper  for  filtering,  43,  44 
Parisite,  312 
Pastreite,  270 
Patience  in  the  study  of  determina- 


tive  mineralogy,  222 

Pearlstone,  302" 

Pectolite,  290,  292 

Peganite,  304 

Peligot,  views  of,  in  regard  to  ura- 
nium, 198 

Pencatite,  310 

Pennitite,  319,  322 

Pentaldite,  245 

Percylite,  2(55 

Permanent  gases,  spectra  of,   131, 
132 

Permanganic  acid,  176 

Permangate  salt,  176 

Perofskite,  254,  255,  324 

Peroxide  of  tin,  :;2l' 

Petalite,  296 

Petroleum,  372-375 
benzine,  374,  375 
composition  of,  372,  374 
MendelejefTs    theory    of     the 

origin  of,  373 
where  obtained,  372,  373 

Pettkoite,  26!) 

Petzite.  2:ii) 

Pluirmacolite,  281 


Phosphates,  183 
Phosphochalcite,  267 
Phosphochromite,  263 
Phospho-molybdate  of  ammonium, 

263 
Phosphoric  acid,  68 

or  phosphates,  183 

testing,  108 
Phosphorus  compounds,  126 

salt    of,    behavior   of   metallic 

oxides  with,  95 

Physical  properties  of  minerals,  209 
Picromerite,  273,  282 
Picrosmine,  319 
Piedmontite,  295 
Pisanite,  266 
Pissophanite,  303 
Pistacite,  301 


Pitchstone,  302 
Pitticite,  208 
Plagionite,  241 
Platinum,  183,  184 

action  of  different   substances 

on,  205,  206 
apparatus,  48,  49 

and  appliances,  87,  88 
care  required  in  handling, 

205 

compounds,  123 
crucibles,  dishes,  etc.,  48,  49 

repairing,  206 
native,  231 
ores  of,  341-343 
spoons,  87 

substances  by  which  it  is  attack- 
ed or  not  attacked,  205,  206 
testing,  llii 
vessels,  use    and    preservation 

of,  205,  206 
wire,  87,  114 
Plattner's  blowpipe,  70 

treatment    of    compounds    of 

antimony,  142 
PlattiH'i-itr,  :.'.->6 
33* 


390 


INDEX. 


Pleonaste,  327 
Pliers,  40 
Plumbago,  369 
Plumbic  acetate,  116 
Plumbogummite,  304 
Plumbo-resinite,  304 
Polybasite,  232 
Polycraee,  255,  315 
Polyhalite,  280,  281 
Poly  lite,  299 
Polytelite,  241 

Porcelain  dishes  and  crucibles,  48 
earth,  305 
lamp  plate,  112 
spar,  293 
supporters,  76 
Porcellanite,  293 
Potash  alum,  278,  303 
Potassa,  action  of  cobalt  on,  159 
Potassium,  184 

and    aluminium,   sulphate   of, 

278 

cyanide,  96 

flame,  spectrum  of,  129 
nitrate  of,  277 
oxalate,  96 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 
sulphate,  examination  with,  99- 

101 

sulphates  of,  278 
testing,  108,  109 
Prasine,  267 

Precipitates,  washing,  45,  46 
Precipitation  and  decantation,  41-43 
Predazzite,  310 
Prehnite,  291,  292 
Preliminary  tests  of  inorganic  solid 

substances,  91,  92 
Preparation  of  reagents  required  for 

analysis  in  the  wet  way,  59-69 
Prism,      examination      of      flames 

through  a,  127, 128 
Prismatic  arsenate  of  copper,  264 
Protoxide  of  cerium,  156 
Pseudomalachite,  267 
Psilomelane,  250,  252,  314 
Pucherite,  276 
Pulverization,  38-40 
Pumice,  302 
Pycrophyll,  319 
Pyrargyrite,  242,  258 
Pyrites,  246,  247 

copper,  variegated,  determina- 
tion of,  222 
Pyrochlore,  325 
Pyrochroite,  309,  314 
Pyro-electricity,  216 
Pyrolusite,  176,  252 


Pyromeline,  269 

Pyromorphite,  260 

Pyrope,  301 

Pyrophosphate  of  magnesium,  175 

Pyrophyllite,  295,  307,  322 

Pyrosclerite,  290 

Pyrosmalite,  274 

Pyrostibite,  256 

Pyroxene,  295,  297,  298 

Pyrrothite,  247 

Quantivalence,  25,  31 

of  elements,  how  expressed,  34 
valence,   or    atomicity   of   ele- 
ments, 33-35 

Quartz,  325,  326 

Quicksilver,  horn,  257 

Rabdionite,  249,  269 
Racks  and  test-tubes,  40,  41 
Raimondite,  270 
Ralstonite,  303 
Raphanosmite,  237 
Reactions,  altered,  of  impure  mine- 
rals, 217 

of  oxides  with  general  reagents, 

93-103 
Reagents,  115,  116 

for   analysis   in   the  wet  way, 

preparation  of,  39-69 
Realgar,  256 
Red  iron  ore,  249,  252 
vitriol,  269 

rays,  refrangibility  of,  129 
Redonite,  304 
Reduction  of  substances,  118 

on  the  charcoal  rod,  118 
Reductions   in   closed-glass    tubes, 

118 

Refraction  of  light,  128 
Refrangibility  of  light,  129 
Reinsch's  test  for  arsenic,  150 
Residues,  Gerhardt's,  34,  35 
Retinasphalt,  372 
Retinite,  372 
Retort  stand,  45 
Rhodium,  184,  185 

compounds,  123 
Rhodonite,  276,  294 
Richmondite,  304 
Richterite,  295,  300 
Rionite,  232,  233 
Ripidolite,  319,  322 
Rock  crystals,  325,  326 
Roemerite,  270 
Ropperite,  249,  274,  321 
Ross,  Col.  Wm.  A.,  76,  77 


INDEX. 


391 


Rottisitc,  '517 
Rubellite,  308 
Rubidium,  184,  185 

discovery  of,  130 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 
Ruby,  detecting:,  130 

silver  ore,  242 
Ruthenium,  185 
Rutile,  195,  254,  255,  324,  325 

Sal-ammoniac,  63,  256 
Salt,  68 

common,  279 
Saltpetre,  277 
Salts,  28,  29,  32,  33 

normal,  acid  and  basic,  299 
Samarskite,  250,  279 
Samoite,  305 
Sand-bath,  51 
Sapphire,  308 

detecting-,  139 
Sarcopsrde,  271 
Sassolite,  284 
Saynite,  245 
Scales  of  thermometers,   relations 

of,  224-226 
Scapolite,  293 
Scheelite,  295,  324 
Schorlomite,  293 
Scolecite,  2S6 
Scorodite,  208 
Selbite,  254,  260 
Selenide  of  bismuth,  236 

of  mercury,  236 

and  lead,  236 
Selenium,  121 

and  seleniurets,  185 

detection  of,  97 
Seleniuret  of  copper,  237 
and  lead,  237 

of  silver  and  copper,  237 
Senarmontite,  256 
Separation  of  As,  Sb,  Sn,  194 
Sepiolite,  290,  292 
Serpentine,  296,  318,  319,  320 
Sesquicarbonate  of  sodium,  1277 
Sesquioxide  of  chromium,  157 
Seybertite,  307 
Siderite,  270,  310,  311,  ;;l:3 
Sideroschisolite,  272 
Siegenite,  246 
Silica,  185,  186 
Silicate  of  bismuth,  276 
Silicates,  fusing,  203,  204 

reaction  of,  277 
Silicic  compounds,  126 

oxide  96 
Silicium,  185,  186 


Silicon,  185,  186 
Sillirnanite,  308 
Silver,  186-188 

and  copper,  seleniuret  of,  237 
sulphuret  of,  244 

and  iron,  sulphuret  of,  247 

antimonial,  241 

compounds,  123 

iodide  of,  166 

native,  230 

ore,  ruby,  242 

ores,  258,  259,  361-365 

sulphuret  of,  243 
Silverglance,  243 
Simonyite,  278 
Siphon,  42 
Skutterudite,  233 
Smaltite,  233,  234 
Smithsonite,  309 
Soapstone,  321 
Soda,  action  of,  on  chromium,  157 

examination  of  minerals  with, 
96-98 

nitre.  277 
Sodalite/288 
Sodic  phosphate,  68 
Sodium,  188 

biborate  of,  279 

carbonate,  277 

chloride  of,  279 

flame,  spectrum  of,  129 

nitrate  of,  277 

phosphate  of,  175 

spectrum  lines  of,  133 

sulphates  of,  278 

testing,  109 

thiosulphate,  behavior  of  oxides 

with,  99 

examinations      of     metals 
:    with,  98,  99 

Solar  and  stellar  chemistry,  134-137 
the  foundations  of,  laid 
by  Bunsen  and  Kirch- 
hoff,  134 
Solubility,  absolute,  220 

degrees  of,  220 

Solution  and  carbonic  dioxide  test 
40,41 

and  solvents,  220 

chemical,  220 
Sordawalite,  292,  297 
Spaerite,  304 
Spaniolite,  242 
Spark  spectra,  131 
Spars,  310,  311 
Spathic  iron,  270 
a  holder,  46 

platinum,  45,  46 


392 


INDEX. 


Special  methods  for  detecting  cer- 
tain elements,  or  some  of  their 
combinations  when  present  in 
complex  chemical  compounds, 
139-202 

Species,  mineral,  for  the  study  of  de- 
terminative mineralogy,  222,  223 
Specific  gravity,  determination  of, 

211-216 
Spectra  of  different  flames,  129 

of  the  flames  of  different  salts, 

129 

of  the  moon  and  planets,  134 
of  permanent  gases,  131,  132 
spark,  131 

Spectroscope,  137-139 
Spectrum,  128 

absorption,  163 
analysis,  127-139 

advantages  of,  129,  130 
Bunsen  and  Kirchhoff  re- 
searches in,  127,  134 
flame  reactions,  and  colored 

flames,  103-139 
principles  of,  127-131 
bright  lines  of  the,  129 
colors  of  the,  128 
continuous,  128,  163 
lines  of    the    most    important 

flame  coloring  elements,  133 
measuring  the.  138,  139 
Specular  iron,  249,  252,  313 
Spessartite,  294     . 
Sphalerite,  253,  313 
Sphenoclase,  302 
Spinel,  308,  327 
Spodumene,  296,  297 
Spoons,  platinum,  87 
Spring  balance,  214-216 
Staffelite,  280 
Stannic  acid,  193 

oxide,  193 
Stannine,  244,  246 
Stannous  chloride,  115, 178 

salts,  193 
Star,   Aldebaran,    constituents    of, 

137 
Stars,  atmosphere  of  the,  134, 137 

the  spectra  of  the,  137 
Stassfurthite,  284 
Staurotite,  326 
Stearine  candles,  78 
Stellar  and  solar  chemistry,  134-137 
Stephanite,  241 
Sternbergite,  247 
Stibnite,'240 
Stilbite,  291,  292 
Stolzite,  262 


Strassfurtite,  281 
Streak  of  a  mineral,  211 
Stroganowite,  293 
Stromeyerite,  244,  246 
Strontia,  150 
Strontianite,  280,  310 
Strontium,  189 

examination  of,  110 
flame,  spectrum  of,  129 
spectrum  lines  of,  133 
sulphate  of,  281 
Struvite,  283 
Stylotypite,  241 
Substitution,      discovery     of,      by 

Dumas,  26 

theory  of  chemistry,  25-38 
Sulphate  of  barium,  281 
of  baryta,  150 
of  magnesium,  278 
of    potassium,    calcium,     and 

magnesium,  280 
of  strontium,  281 

separation    of,    from     sul- 
phate of  calcium,  174 
Sulphates  of  barium,  strontium,  and 
calcium,  fusing  with  carbon- 
ate of  potassium  or  sodium, 
174 

of  calcium,  280 
of  potassium,  278 
of  sodium,  278 
of  the  alkaline  earths,  analysis 

of,  203 

Sulphide,  hydric,  64-66 
incrustations,  120 
of  ammonium,  66 

action   of,  on  ferric   salts, 

168 

on  manganous  salts,  176 
Sulphides  containing  tin,  192 

of  arsenic  and  antimony,  142 
of   lead  and   antimony,   treat- 
ment of,  142 
Sulphur,  189-191 
acids,  29,  30 
compounds.  127 
detection  of,  97 
dioxide,  detection  of,  100 
native,  256 

Sulphuret  of  antimony,  240 
and  lead,  240 
and  silver,  242 
of  bismuth,  248 
of  copper  and  antimony,  242 
of  iron  and  nickel,  245 
of  lead,  244 
of  silver,  231,  243 
and  iron.  247 


INDEX. 


393 


Sulplmrct  of  tin,  244 
Sulphuretted  hydrogen,  ()4-(i(; 
Sulphuric  acid,  68 

concentrated,   examination 
with,  99-101 

testing-,  108 
Sulphydric  acid,  action  on  manga- 

nous  salt,  176 
Supports  for  crucibles,  51-53 

for  the  assay,  75-78 
Susannite,  263 
Sussexite,  269,  284.,  311 
Svanbergite,  306 
Sylvanite,  239 
Syngenite,  281 

Table  of  atomic  weights  of  elements 
according  to  the  new  system, 
36-38 

of  volatile  elements  which  can 
be  reduced 'as  films  or  coat- 
ings on  porcelain,  arranged 
according  to  their  reactions, 
121 
Tables  of  minerals,  introduction  to, 

207 

Tabular  arrangement  showing  the 
behavior  of  oxides  when  treated 
before  the  blowpipe,  with  sodium 
thiosulphate,  together  with  their 
reactions  with  borax.  99 
Tachhydrite,  278 
Tachylite,  289,  292 
Tagilite,  267 
Talc,  321 
Tallingite,  265 
Tantalite,  255 
Tantalum,  191 

compounds,  125 
pentoxide,  97 
Tavistockite,  304 
Telluret  of  bismuth,  239 

of  gold  and  lead,  239 
Tellurium,  121,  191,  192 

compounds,  detection  of,  97 

native,  238 

ores  of,  division  of,  into  groups, 

238 
Test,  carbonic  dioxide,  40 

for  arsenic  in  minerals  contain- 
ing no  sulphur,  148-150 
operations,  116 
papers,  preparation  of,  63 
substances,  apparatus,  and  me- 
thod   employed    for   submit- 
ting, to  the  flame,  112-114 
Test-tube  holder,  41 
Test-tubes  and  racks,  40,  41 


Testing  and  classifying  minerals, 
preliminary  proceedings  for, 
219 

chemical  mixtures,  107-111 
for  water,  220,  221 
of  water,  62,  63 
Tetradymite,  239 
Tetrahedrite,  241,246 
Thallium,  121 

discovery  of,  130 
spectrum  lines  of,  133 
Thenardite,  278 
Theories  of  chemistry,  25-38 
Thermometers,  scales  of,  relations 

of,  224-226 
Thermonatrite,  277 
Thermophyllite,  296 
Thomsenolite,  282 
Thorite,  317 
Thraulite,  318 
j  Thuringite,  272 
i  Tiemannite,  236 
:  Tin, 192-1 94 

and  copper,  separation  of,  193 

compounds,  124 

dissolving  of,  192 

from  antimony,  separation  of, 

194 
from    bismuth,   separation    of, 

193 

ores  of,  366,  367 
pyrites,  244 
recognition  of,  116 
Tinkal,  285 
Tinstone,  324 
Titanic  acid,  324 

native,  195 
iron,  253 
Titanite,  300 
Titanium,  195 

dioxide,  96,  97 

detection  of,  101 
compounds,  125 
treatment  of,  195 
!  Tongs,  crucible,  49,  50 
Topaz,  308,  327 
Torbernite,  267 
Tourmaline,  275,  298 
Tremolite,  299,  300 
Tridymite,  326 
|  Triphylite,  271 
Triplite,  270,  271 
Tripods,  47 
Tio<rerite,  283 
Troll eite,  304 
Trona,  277 
i  Tscheff kinite,  293 
i  Tschermigite,  2.s:5 


394 


INDEX. 


Tubes,  bending-  and  closing  glass, 
56-58 

closed,  88,  89 

of  hard  glass  free  from  lead,  88 

of  thin  glass,  114 
Tungstate  of  calcium,  295,  324 

of  iron  and  manganese,  249 
Tungstates,  196 
Tungsten,  195-197 

characteristics  of,  195,  196 

compounds,  125 

dichloride,  197 

hexachloride,  197 

pentachloride,  197 

tetrachloride,  197 

treatment  of,  196 

with  chlorine,  197 

trioxide,  96,  97 

detection  of,  101 
Tungstic  acid,  196,  323 
Tungstite,  323 . 
Turgite,  313 

Turmeric  paper,  preparation  of,  63 
Turquois,  314 
Tyrolite,  264 

Ulexite,  279 

Ullmaunite,  243 

Ultramarine,  288 

Unitary  system  of  chemistry,  25-38 

Uranates,  199 

Uranic  nitrate,  198 

sulphate,  198 

trioxide,  198 
Uranium,  197-199 

atomic  weight  of,  198 

behavior  of,  with  different  sul- 
phides, 198,  199 

compounds,  126 

recognition  of,  116 

tetrachloride,  198 
Uranus  chloride,  198 

dioxide,  198 
Urinite,  255,  286,  314 
Uwarowite,  327 

Valence,  33,  35 

varying  in  the  same  element,  34 
Valentinite,  256 
Vanadinite,  262 
Vanadium,  199,  200 

characteristics  of,  199,  200 

compounds,  125 

pentoxide,  97 

detection  of,  101 

recognition  of,  116 
Varying  valence  in  the  same  ele- 
ment, 34 


Vauquclinite,  262,  263 
Vermiculite,  291 
Vesuvianite,  301 

Violet  rays,  refrangibility  of.  129 
Vitriol,  blue,  265 

iron,  269 
Vivianite,  271 
Voigtite,  273 
Volatile  acids,  detection  of,  99-101 

elements  which  can  be  reduced 
as  films  or  coatings  on  porce- 
lain, 121 

Volatility,  determination  of,  117 
Volborthite,  267 
Voltaite,  270 

Wad,  314 

Wagnerite,  285 

Walpurgite,  283 

Warvvickite,  323 

Wash-bottle  for  precipitates,  45 

Washing  precipitates,  45,  46 

Watch-glasses,  89 

Water,  67 

Water-bath,  46,  47 

Water,  chemically  pure,  59-62 

determination  of,  220,  221 

testing  of,  62,  63 
Wavel lite,  304 

Weights  and  measures,  223-226 
Wernerite,  293 
Westanite,  307 

Wet  reagents  generally,  67-69 
Whitneyite,  233 

test  for,  148 
Willemite,  306,  309 
Wilsonite,  297 
Wire  gauze,  51 

platinum,  87 
Witherite,  280 
Wittichite,  244,  245,  246 
Wbhlerite,  293 

Wolchonskoite,  317,  318,  323 
Wolfachite,  235 
Wolfram,  249,  275 

decomposition  of,  197 
Wolframite,  249,  275 
Wolframium,  19.5-197 

compounds,  125 
Wollastonite,  288,  302 
Wulfenite,  262 

Xanthoconite,  258,  £59 
Xanthophyllite,  305 
Xenotime,  325 
Xonaltite,  290,  317 
Xylotile,  274,  318 


INDEX. 


395 


Yttria,  reactions  of,  200,  201 
Yttrium,  200,  201 

phosphate  of,  325 
Yttrocerite,  311,  316 
Yttrotantalite,  200 
Yttrotitanite,  300 

Zaratite,  312 
Zepharovichite,  304 
Zinc,  121,  201 

and   hydrochloric  acid,  exami- 
nation with,  101 
behavior  of,  with  different  sub- 
stances, 201 
ores,  314,  367,  368 
silicate  of,  306 


Zinc  spinel,  327 

sulphate  of,  28o 

sulphurets  of,  313 

vitriol,  309 

Zincblende,  253,  309,  313 
Zincite,  314 
Zinkenite,  240,  241 
Zippeite,  314 
j  Zirconia,  202 

behavior  of,  with  different  sub- 
stances, 202 
Zirconite,  326 

Zirconium  salts,  reactions  of,  202 
Zircons,  202 
Zoisite,  301 


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AMATEUR  MECHANICS'  WORKSHOP: 

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BARLOW. — The    History    and    Principles    of    Weaving,   by 

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8LINN. — A  Practical  Workshop  Companion  for  Tin,  Sheet- 
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flOOTH.— Marble  Worker's  Manual: 

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BOOTH  and  MORFIT.— The  Encyclopaedia  of  Chemistry, 

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BRANNT.— A    Practical   Treatise  on  Animal  and  Vegetable 

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BRANNT.— A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Manufacture  of  Soap 

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formulas.  Edited  chiefly  from  the  German  of  Dr.  C.  Deite,  A. 
Engelhardt,.  Dr.  C.  Schaedler  and  others;  with  additions  and  list? 
of  American  Patents  relating  to  these  subjects.  By  WM.  T.  BRANNT. 
Illustrated  by  163  engravings.  677  pages.  8vo.  .  .  $7-S° 

BRANNT.— A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Raw  Materials  and  the 
Distillation  and  Rectification  of  Alcohol,  and  the  Prepara- 
tion of  Alcoholic  Liquors,  Liqueurs,  Cordials,  Bitters,  etc.  : 
Edited  chiefly  from  the  German  ol   Dr.  K.  Stammer,  1  )r.  F.  Eisner, 
and  E.  Schubert.     By  WM.  T.  BRANNT.     Illustrated  by  thirty-one 
engravings.      121110.  .  ,         .          .         .      .  .          JM-tC 


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8RANNT— WAHL.— The  Techno- Chemical  Receipt  Book: 

Containing  several  thousand  Receipts  covering  the  latest,  most  'itn 
portant,  and  most  useful   discoveries  in  Chemical  Technology,  ana 
their  Practical  Application  in  the  Arts  and  the   Industries.     Edited 
chiefly  from  the  German  of  Drs.  Winckler,  Eisner,  Heintze,  Mier- 
zinski,  Jacobsen,  Roller,  and  Heinzerling,  with  additions  by  Wlf.  'I. 
BRANNT  and  WM.  H.  WAHL,  PH.  D.     Illustrated  by  78  engravings. 
I2ino.     495  page>     .  .....         $2.00 

ROWN. — Five  Hundred  and  Seven  Mechanical  Movements: 
Embracing  all  those  which  are  most  important  in  Dynamics,  Hy- 
draulics, Hydrostatics,  Pneumatics,  Steam-Engines,  Mill  and  othei 
Gearing,  Presses,  Horology  and  Miscellaneous  Machinery;  and  in- 
cluding many  movements  never  before  published,  and  several  rf 
which  have  only  recently  come  into  use.  By  HENRY  T.  BROWN 
I2m<> $1.00 

BUCKM ASTER.— The  Elements  of  Mechanical  Physics  : 
By  J.   C.   BUCKMASTER.       Illustrated    with    numerous    engravings. 
I2mo '  .         .  $1.50 

8ULLOCK.— The  American  Cottage  Builder  : 

A  Series  of  Designs,  Plans  and  Specifications,  from  $200  to  $20,000, 
for  Homes  for  the  People ;  together  with  Warming,  Ventilation, 
Drainage,  Painting  and  Landscape  Gardening.  By  JOHN  BULLOCK, 
Architect  and  Editor  of  "  The  Rudiments  of  Architecture  and 
Building,"  etc.,  etc.  Illustrated  by  75  engravings.  8vo.  $3-5Q 

BULLOCK. — The  Rudiments  of  Architecture  and  Building: 
For  the  use  of  Architects,  Builders,   Draughtsmen,   Machinists,  En- 
gineers and  Mechanics.     Edited  by  JOHN  BULLOCK,  author  of  "  The 
American  Cottage  Builder."   Illustrated  by  250  Engravings.  8vo.  $3.50 

BURGH. — Practical    Rules    for    the   Proportions   of     Modern 

Engines  and  Boilers  for  Land  and  Marine  Purposes. 
By  N.  P.  BURGH,  Engineer.     I2mo.          .         .         .         .         $1.50 

BYLES. — Sophisms    of     Free    Trade    and    Popular    Political 

Economy  Examined. 

By  a  BARRISTER  (SIR  JOHN  BARNARD  BYLES,  Judge  of  Common 
Pleas).  From  the  Ninth  English  Edition,  as  published  by  i  he- 
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BOWMAN.— The  Structure  of  the  Wool  Fibre  in  its  Relation 

to  the  Use  of  Wool  for  Technical  Purposes : 
Being  the  substance,  with  additions,  of  Five  Lectures,  delivered  at 
the  request  of  the  Council,  to  the  members  of  the  Bradford  Technical 
College,  and  the  Society  of  Dyers  and  Colorists.  By  F.  H.  Bow- 
MAN,  D.  Sc.,  F.  R.  S.  E.,  F.  L.  S.  Illustrated  by  32  engravings. 
8vo.  •  -.  " $6,^50 

fJYRNE. — Hand-Book  for  the  Artisan,  Mechanic,  and  Engi- 
neer: 

Comprising  the  Grinding  and  Sharpening  of  Cutting  Tools,  Abrasive 
Processes,  Lapidary  Work,  Gem  and  Glass  Engraving,  Varnishing 
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Polishing,  etc.  By  OLIVER  BYRNE.  Illustrated  by  185  wood  en- 
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BYRNE. — Pocket-Book  for  Railroad  and  Civil  Engineers: 

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Curves,  Switches,  Frog  Angles  and  Crossings ;  the  Staking  out  of 
work;  Levelling;  the  Calculation  of  Cuttings;  Embankments;  Earth- 
work, etc.  By  OLIVER  BYRNE.  i8mo.,  full  bound,  pocket-book 
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BYRNE.— The  Practical  Metal- Worker's  Assistant : 
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and  Alloys;  Forging  of  Iron  and  Steel;  Hardening  and  Tempering; 
Melting  and  Mixing;  Casting  and  Founding;  Works  in  Sheet  Metal; 
the  Processes  Dependent  on  the  Ductility  of  the  Metals;  Soldering; 
and  the  most  Improved  Processes  and  Tools  employed  by  Metai- 
Workers.  With  the  Application  of  the  Art  of  Electro-Metallurgy  to 
Manufacturing  Processes;  collected  from  Original  Sources,  and  from 
the  works  of  Holtzapffel,  Bergeron,  Leupold,  Plumier,  Napier, 
Scoffern,  Clay,  Fairbairn  and  others.  By  OLIVER  BYRNE.  A  new, 
revised  and  improved  edition,  to  which  is  added  an  Appendix,  con- 
taining The  Manufacture  of  Russian  Sheet- Iron.  By  JOHN  PERCY, 
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BYRNE.— The  Practical  Model  Calculator: 

For  the  Engineer,  Mechanic,  Manufacturer  of  Engine  Work,  Naval 
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600  pages £4.3* 

CABINET  MAKER'S  ALBUM  OF  FURNITURE: 

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Illustrated  by  Forty-eight  Large  and  Beautifully  Engraved  Plates. 
Oblong,  8vo £,  50 

CALLINGHAM.— Sign  Writing  and  Glass  Embossing: 

A    Complete  Practical    Illustrated   Manual  of  the  Art.     By  TAMES 

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CAMPIN.— A  Practical  Treatise  on  Mechanical  Engineering: 

Comprising  Metallurgy,  Moulding,  Casting,  Forging,  Tools,  Work, 
shop  Machinery,  Mechanical  Manipulation,  Manufacture'of  Steam- 
Engines,  etc.  With  an  Appendix  on  the  Analysis  of  Iron  and  Iron 
Ores.  By  FP  ANCIS  CAMPIN,  C.  E.  To  which  are  added,  Observations 
on  the  Construction  of  Steam  Boilers,  and  Remarks  upon  Furnaces 
used  for  Smoke  Prevention  ;  with  a  Chapter  on  Explosions.  By  R. 
ARMSTRONG,  C.  E.,  and  JOHN  BOURNE.  Rules  for  Calculating  th« 
Change  Wheels  for  Screws  on  a  Turning  Lathe,  and  for  a  Wheel, 
cutting  Machine.  By  J.  LA  NICCA.  Management  of  Steel,  Includ- 
ing Forging,  Hardening,  Tempering,  Annealing,  Shrinking  and 
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CAREY. — A  Memoir  of  Henry  C.  Carey. 

By  DR.  WM.  ELDER,    With  a  portrait.     8vo.,  cloth         .         .        f$ 

CAREY.— The  Works  of  Henry  C.  Carey  : 

Harmony  of  Interests  :    Agricultural,  Manufacturing  and  Commer. 
cial.     8vo.  .....  .         .         $1.50 

Manual  of  Social  Science.  Condensed  from  Carey's  "  Principles 
of  Social  Science."  By  KATE  McKEAN.  i  vol.  I2mo.  .  $2.25 
Miscellaneous  Works.  With  a  Portrait.  2  vols.  8vo.  $10.00 

Past,  Present  and  Future.     8vo $2.50 

Principles  of  Social  Science.  3  volumes,  8vo.  .  .  $10.00 
The  Slave-Trade,  Domestic  and  Foreign;  Why  it  Exists,  and 
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The  Unity  of  Law :  As  Exhibited  in  the  Relations  of  Physical, 
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CLARK. — Tramways,  their  Construction  and  Working : 

Embracing  a  Comprehensive  History  of  the  System.  With  an  ex- 
haustive analysis  of  the  various  modes  of  traction,  including  horse- 
power, steam,  heated  water  and  compressed  air;  a  description  of  the 
varieties  of  Rolling  stock,  and  ample  details  of  cost  and  working  ex- 
penses. By  D.  KINNEAR  CLARK.  Illustrated  by  over  200  wood 
engravings,  and  thirteen  folding  plates.  2  vols.  8vo.  .  $12.50 

COLBURN. — The  Locomotive  Engine  : 

Including  a  Description  of  its  Structure,  Rules  for  Estimating  its 
Capabilities,  and  Practical  Observations  on  its  Construction  and  Man- 
agement. By  ZERAH  COLBURN.  Illustrated.  121110.  .  $1.00 

ZOLLENS. — The  Eden  of  Labor;  or,  the  Christian  Utopia. 
By  T.  WHARTON  COLLENS,  author  of  "  Humanics,"    "  The  History 
of  Charity,"  etc.     I2mo.     Paper  cover,  $  1. oo;  Cloth          .         $1.25 

COOLEY. — A  Complete  Practical  Treatise  on  Perfumery : 

Being  a  Hand-book  of  Perfumes,  Cosmetics  and  other  Toilet  Articles. 
With  a  Comprehensive  Collection  of  Formulae.  By  ARNOLD  J. 
COOLEY.  i2mo.  . $1.50 

COOPER.— A  Treatise  on  the  use  of  Belting  for  the  Trans- 
mission of  Power. 

With  numerous  illustrations  of  approved  and  actual  methods  of  ar- 
ranging Main  Driving  and  Quarter  Twist  Belts,  and  of  Belt  Fasten 
ings.  Examples  and  Rules  in  great  number  for  exhibiting  and  cal- 
culating the  size  and  driving  power  of  Belts.  Plain,  Particular  and 
Practical  Directions  for  the  Treatment,  Care  and  Manigement  o' 
Belts.  Descriptions  of  many  varieties  of  Beltings,  together  witn 
chapters  on  the  Transmission  of  Power  by  Ropes;  by  Iron  and 
Wood  Frictional  Gearing;  on  the  Strength  of  Belting  Leather;  and 
on  the  Experimental  Investigations  of  Morin,  Briggs,  and  others.  By 
JOHN  H.  COOPER,  M.  E.  8vo $3.50 

CRAIK.— The  Practical  American  Millwright  and  M^ler. 

By  DAVID  CRAIK,  Millwright.  Illustrated  by  numerous  wood  en- 
gravings and  two  folding  plates.  8vo.  ....  $5.00 


HENRY   CAREY   BAIRD   &   CO.'S   CATALOGUE. 


CREW. — A  Practical  Treatise  on  Petroleum  : 

Comprising  its  Origin,  Geology,  Geographical  Distribution,  History, 
Chemistry,  Mining,  Technology,  Uses  and  Transportation.  Together 
with  a  Description  of  Gas  Wells,  the  Application  of  Gas  aoFuel,  etc. 
By  BENJAMIN  J.  CREW.  With  an  Appendix  on  the  Product  and 
Exhaustion  of  the  Oil  Regions,  and  the  Geology  of  Natural  Gas  in 
Pennsylvania  and  New  York.  By  CHARLES  A.  ASHBURNER,  M.  S.. 
Geologist  in  Charge  Pennsylvania  Survey,  Philadelphia  Illustrated 
by  70  engravings.  8vo.  5°^  pages  ....  j^.oc 
CROSS. — The  Cotton  Yarn  Spinner : 

Showing  how  the  Preparation  should  be  arranged  for  Different 
Counts  of  Yarns  by  a  System  more  uniform  than  has  hitherto  been 
practiced;  by  having  a  Standard  Schedule  from  which  we  make  all 
our  Changes.  By  RICHARD  CROSS.  122  pp.  I2rno.  .  75 

CRISTIANI.— A  Technical  Treatise  on  Soap  arid  Candles: 
With  a  Glance  at  the  Industry  of  Fals  and  Oils.  By  R.  S.  CRIS 
TIANI,  Chemist.  Author  of  "  Perfumery  and  Kindred  Arts."  Illus- 
trated by  176  engravings.  581  pages,  8vo.  .  .  .  $12.50 
CRISTIANI.— Perfumery  and  Kindred  Arts: 
A  Comprehensive  Treatise  on  Perfumery,  containing  a  History  of 
Perfumes  from  the  remotest  ages  to  the  present  time.  A  complete 
detailed  description  of  the  various  Materials  and  Apparatus  used  in 
the  Perfumer's  Art,  with  thorough  Practical  Instruction  and  careful 
Formulae,  and  advice  for  the  fabrication  of  all  known  preparations  of 
the  day,  including  Essences,  Tinctures,  Extracts,  Spirits,  Waters, 
Vinegars,  Pomades,  Powders,  Paints,  Oils,  Emulsions,  Cosmetics, 
Infusions,  Pastilles,  Tooth  Powders  and  Washes,  Cachous,  Hair  Dyes, 
Sachets,  Essential  Oils,  Flavoring  Extracts,  etc. ;  and  full  details  for 
making  and  manipulating  Fancy  Toilet  Soaps,  Shaving  Creams,  etc., 
by  new  and  improved  methods.  With  an  Appendix  giving  hints  am\ 
advice  for  making  and  fermenting  Domestic  Wines,  Cordials,  Liquors, 
Candies,  Jellies,  Syrups,  Colors,  etc.,  and  for  Perfuming  and  Flavor- 
ing Segars,  Snuff  and  Tobacco,  and  Miscellaneous  Receipts  foi 
various  useful  Analogous  Articles.  By  R.  S.  CRISTIANI,  Con- 
sulting Chemist  and  Perfumer,  Philadelphia.  8vo.  .  .  $10.00 
DAVIDSON.— A  Practical  Manual  of  House  Painting,  Grain- 

ing,  Marbling,  and  Sign- Writing: 

Containing  full  information  on  the  processes  of  House  Painting  in 
Oil  and  Distemper,  the  Formation  of  Letters-  and  Practice  of  Sign-' 
Writing,  the  Principles  of  Decorative  Art,  a  Course  of  Elementary 
Drawing  for  House  Painters,  Writers,  etc.,  and  a  Collection  of  Useful 
Receipts.  With  nine  colored  illustrations  of  Woods  and  Marbles, 
aad  numerous  wood  engravings.  By  ELI.IS  A.  DAVIDSON.  I2mo. 

$3.00 
DAVIES. — A   Treatise  on    Earthy  and   Other   Minerals   and 

Mining  : 

By  D.  C.  DAVIES,  F.  G.  S.,  Mining  Engineer,  etc.  Illustrated  by 
76  Engravings.  I2mo.  .......  $5.00 


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O  A  VIES.—  A  Treatise  on  Metalliferous  Minerals  and  Mining: 

By  D.  C.  DAVIES,  F.  G.  S..  Mining  Engineer,  Examiner  of  Mines, 
Quarries  and  Collieries.  Illustrated  by  148  engravings  of  Geological 
Formations,  Mining  Operations  and  Machinery,  drawn  from  the 
practice  of  all  parts  of  the  world.  2d  Edition,  I2mo.,  450  pages  $5.0$ 
JAVIES.  —  A  Treatise  on  Slate  and  Slate  Quarrying: 
Scientific,  Practical  and  Commercial.  By  D.  C.  DAVIES,  F.  G.  S.,' 
Mining  Engineer,  etc.  With  numerous  illustrations  and  folding 
plates,  ittfto  .........  $2.03 


i'DAVIS.  —  A  Treatise  on  Steam-Boiler  Incrustation  and  Meth- 
'         ods  for  Preventing  Corrosion  and  the  Formation  of  Scale  ; 
By  CHARLES  T.  DAVIS.     Illustrated  by  65  engravings.     8vo.    $1.50 

PAVIS.—  The  Manufacture  of  Paper: 

Being  a  Description  of  the  various  Processes  for  the  Fabrication, 
Coloring  and  Finishing  of  every  kind  of  Paper,  Including  the  Dif- 
ferent Raw  Materials  and  the  Methods  for  Determining  their  Values, 
the  Tools,  Machines  and  Practical  Details  connected  with  an  intelli- 
gent and  a  profitable  prosecution  of  the  art,  with  special  reference  to 
the  best  American  Practice.  To  which  are  added  a  History  of  Pa- 
per, complete  Lists  of  .Paper-Making  Materials,  List  of  American 
Machines,  Tools  and  Processes  used  in  treating  the  Raw  Materials, 
and  in  Making,  Coloring  and  Finishing  Paper.  By  CHARLES  T. 
DAVIS.  Illustrated  by  156  engravings.  608  pages,  8vo.  $6.00 

&  AVIS.—  The  Manufacture  of  Leather: 

Being  a  description  of  all  of  the  Processes  for  the  Tanning,  Tawing, 
Currying,  Finishing  and  Dyeing  of  every  kind  of  Leather  ;  including 
the  various  Raw  Materials  and  the  Methods  for  Determining  their 
Values;  the  Tools,  Machines,  and  all  Details  of  Importance  con- 
nected with  an  Intelligent  an-cl  Profitable  Prosecution  of  the  Art,  with 
Special  Reference  to  the  Best  American  Practice.  To  which  are 
added  Complete  Lists  of  all  American  Patents  for  Materials,  Pro- 
cesses, Tools,  and  Machines  for  Tanning,  Currying,  etc.  By  CHARLES 
THOMAS  DAVIS.  Illustrated  by  302  engravings  and  12  Samples  of 
Dyed  Leathers.  One  vol.,  8vo.,  824  pages  .  ,  .  $10.00 

DAWIDOWSKY—  BRANNT.—  A  Practical  Treatise  on  the 
Raw  Materials  and  Fabrication  of  Glue,  Gelatine,  Gelatine 
Veneers  and  Foils,  Isinglass,  Cements,  Pastes,  Mucilages, 
etc.  : 

Bnsed  upon  Actual  Experience.  By  F.  DAWIDOWSKY,  Technical 
Chemist.  Translated  from  the  German,  with  extensive  additions, 
including  a  description  of  the  most  Recent  American  Processes,  by 
WILLIAM  T.  BRANNT,  Graduate  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  College 
of  Eldena,  Prussia.  35  Engravings.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $2.50 

D£  GRAFF.  —  The  Geometrical  Stair-Builders'  Guide: 
Being  a  Plain  Practical  System  of  Hand-Railing,  embracing  all  ita 
necessary  Details,  and  Geometrically  Illustrated  by  twenty-two  Steel 
Engravings;   together  with  the  use  of  the  most  approved  principles 
of  Practical  Geometry.      By  SIMON  DE  GRAFF,  Architect.       4-to. 

$2.50 


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UK  KONINCK— DIETZ.— A   Practical   Manual   of  Chemical 

Analysis  and  Assaying : 

As  applied  to  the  Manufacture  of  Iron  from  its  Ores,  and  to  Cast  Iron, 
Wrought  Iron,  and  "Steel,  as  found  in  Commerce.  By  L.  L.  DE 
KONINCK,  Dr.  Sc.,  and  E.  DIETZ,  Engineer.  Edited  with  Notes,  by 
ROBERT  MALLET,  F.  R.  S.,  F.  S.  G.,  M.  I.  C.  E.,  etc.  American 
Edition,  Edited  with  Notes  and  an  Appendix  on  Iron  Ores,  by  A.  A. 
FESQUET,  Chemist  and  Engineer.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $2.50 

DUNCAN.— Practical  Surveyor's  Guide:  t 

Containing  the  necessary  information  to  make  any  person  of  com- 
mon capacity,  a  finished  land  surveyor  without  the  aid  of  a  teacher 
By  ANDREW  DUNCAN.  Illustrated.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $i  25 

DUPLAIS. — A  Treatise  on  the  Manufacture  and  Distillation 

of  Alcoholic  Liquors : 

Comprising  Accurate  and  Complete  Details  in  Regard  to  Alcohol 
from  Wine,  Molasses,  Beets, Grain,  Rice,  Potatoes,  Sorghum,  Aspho- 
del, Fruits,  etc. ;  with  the  Distillation  and  Rectification  of  Brandy. 
Whiskey,  Rum,  Gin,  Swks  Absinthe,  etc.,  the  Preparation  of  Aro- 
matic Waters,  Volatile  Oils  or  Essences,  Sugars,  Syrups,  Aromatic 
Tinctures,  Liqueurs,  Cordial  Wines,  Effervescing  Wines,  etc.,  the 
Ageing  of  Brandy  and  the  improvement  of  Spirits,  with  Copious 
Directions  and  Tables  for  Testing  and  Reducing  Spirituous  Liquors, 
etc.,  etc.  Translated  and  Edited  from  the  French  of  MM.  DUPLAIS, 
Aine  et  Jeune.  By  M.  McKENNlE,  M.  D.  To  which  are  added  the 
United  States  Internal  Revenue  .Regulations  for  the  Assessment  and 
Collection  of  Taxes  on  Distilled  Spirits.  Illustrated  by  fourteen 
folding  plates  and  several  wood  engravings.  743  pp.  8vo.  $10  oo 

aUSSAUCE.— Practical  Treatise  on  the  Fabrication  of  Matches, 

Gun  Cotton,  and  Fulminating  Powder. 
By  Professor  H.  DUSSAUCE.     I2mo.          .         .         .         .         $3  oo 

DYER  AND  COLOR-MAKER'S  COMPANION: 
Containing  upwards  of  two  hundred  Receipts  for  making  Colors,  on 
the  most  approved  principles,  for  all  the  various  styles  and  fabrics  now 
in  existence;  with  the  Scouring   Process,  and  plain  Directions  for 
Preparing,  Washing-off,  and  Finishing  the  Goods.      I2mo.         $i   25 

EDWARDS. — A  Catechism  of  the  Marine  Steam-Engine, 
For  the  use  of  Engineers,  Firemen,  and  Mechanics.  A  Practical 
Work  for  Practical  Men.  By  EMORY  EDWARDS,  Mechanical  Engi- 
neer. Illustrated  by  sixty-three  Engravings,  including  examples  of 
the  most  modern  Engines.  Third  edition,  thoroughly  revised,  with 
much  additional  matter.  12  mo.  414  pages  .  .  .  $2  oo 

EDWARDS. — Modern  American  Locomotive  Engines, 

Their  Design,  Construction  and  Management.  By  EMORY  EDWARDS, 
Illustrated  I2mo $2.00 

EDWARDS.— The  American  Steam  Engineer: 

Theoretical  and  Practical,  with  examples  of  the  latest  and  most  ap- 
proved American  practice  in  the  design  and  construction  of  Steam 
Engines  and  Boilers.  For  the  use  of  engineers,  machinists,  boiler- 
takers,  and  engineering  students.  By  EMORY  EDWARDS.  Fully 
Ulustrated,  419  pages.  121110.  ....  $2.50 


ra         HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 

EDWARDS.— Modern  American  Marine  Engines,  Boilers,  and 
Screw  Propellers, 

Their  Design  and   Construction.     Showing  the  Present  Practice  of 
the  most   Eminent  Engineers  and   Marine  Engine  Builders  in  the 
United  States.    Illustrated  by  30  large  and  elaborate  plates.  410.  $5.00 
EDWARDS. — The  Practical  Steam  Engineer's  Guide 

In  the  Design,  Construction,  and  Management  of  Americnn  Stationary, 
Portable,  and  Steam  Fire- Engines,  Steam  Pumps,  Boilers,  Injectors, 
Governors,  Indicators,  Pistons  and  Rings,  Safety  Valves  and  Steam 
Gauges.  For  the  use  of  Engineers,  Firemen,  and  Steam  Users.  B> 
EMORY  EDWARDS.  Illustrated  by  119  engravings.  420  pages. 
I2ino.  ..........  $2  50 

EISSLER.— The  Metallurgy  of  Gold: 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Metallurgical  Treatment  of  Gold-Bear- 
ing Ores,  including  the  Processes  of  Concentration  and  Chlorination, 
and  the  Assaying,  Melting,  and  Refining  of  Gold.  By  M.  EISSLER. 
With  132  Illustrations.  I2tno $3-5O 

EISSLER.— The  Metallurgy  of  Silver  : 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Amalgamation,  Roasting,  and  Lixivintion 
of  Silver  Ores,  including  the  Assaying,  Melting,  and  Refining  of 
Silver  Bullion.  By  M.  EISSLER.  124  Illustrations.  336  pp. 
I2mo.  .  .  '  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $4.25 

ELDER. — Conversations  on  the  Principal  Subjects  of  Political 

Economy. 
By  DR.  WILLIAM  ELDER.     8vo $2.50 

ELDER. — Questions  of  the  Day, 

Economic  and  Social.     By  DR.  WILLIAM  ELDER.     8vo.     .      $3.00 

ERNI. — Mineralogy  Simplified. 

Easy  Methods  of  Determining  and  Classifying  Minerals,  including 
Ores,  by  means  of  the  Blow]  ire,  and  by  Humid  Chemical  Analysis, 
based  on  Professor  von  Kcbtll's  Tables  for  the  Determination  of 
Minerals,  with  an  Introduction  to  Modern  Chemistry.  By  HENRY 
ERNI,  A.M.,  M.D.,  Professor  of  Chemistry.  Second  Edition,  rewritten, 
enlarged  and  improved.  I2mo.  .....  $3-<X 

FAIRBAIRN.— The  Principles  of  Mechanism  and  Machinery 

of  Transmission  * 

Comprising  the  Principles  of  Mechanism,  Wheels,  and  Pulleys, 
Strength  and  Proportions  of  Shafts,  Coupling  of  Shafts,  and  Engag- 
ing and  Disengaging  Gear.  By  SIR  WILLIAM  FAIRBAIRN,  Bait 
C.  E.  Beautifully  illustrated  by  over  150  wood-cuts.  In  one 
volume.  I2mo •  $2.5$ 

ffLEMING.— Narrow  Gauge  Railways  in  America. 
A  Sketch  of  their  Rise,  Progress,  and   Success.     Valuable  Statistics 
as  to  Grades,  Curves,  Weight  of  Rail,  Locomotives,  Cars,  etc.     By 
HOWARD  FLEMING.     Illustrated,  8vo.      .         .         .         .         $i  oo 

FORSYTH.— Book   of   Designs  for  Headstones,   Mural,   and 

other  Monuments : 

Containing  78  Designs.  By  JAMES  FORSYTH.  With  an  Introduction 
^  CHARLES  BOXJTKLL,  M.  A.  4  to.,  cloth  .  .  -  $5  G0 


HENRY   CAREY   BAIRD   &   CO.'S   CATALOGUE.        13 


FRANKEI HUTTER.— A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Manu- 
facture of  Starch,  Glucose,  Starch-Sugar,  and  Dextrine: 
Based  on  the  German  of  LADISLAUS  VON  WAGNER,  Professor  in  the 
Royal  Technical  High  School,  Buda-Pest,  Hungary,  and  other 
authorities.  By  JULIUS  FRANKEL,  Graduate  of  the  Polytechnic 
School  of  Hanover.  Edited  by  ROBERT  HUTTER,  Chemist,  Practical 
Manufacturer  of  Starch-Sugar.  Illustrated  by  58  engravings,  cover- 
ing every  branch  of  the  subject,  including  examples  of  the  most 
Recent  and  Best  American  Machinery.  8vo.,  344  pp.  .  $3.50 

GARDNER. — The  Painter's  Encyclopaedia: 

Containing  Definitions  of  all  Important  Words  in  the  Art  of  Plain 
and  Artistic  Painting,  with  Details  of  Practice  in  Coach,  Carriage, 
Railway  Car,  House,  Sign,  and  *  Ornamental  Painting,  including 
Graining,  Marbling,  Staining,  Varnishing,  Polishing,  Lettering, 
Stenciling,  Gilding,  Bronzing,  etc.  By  FRANKLIN  B.  GARDNER. 
158  Illustrations.  I2ino.  427  pp.  .....  $2.00 

GARDNER. — Everybody's  Paint  Book: 

A  Complete  Guide  to  the  Art  of  Outdoor  and  Indoor  Painting,  De- 
signed for  the  Special  Use  of  those  who  wish  to  do  their  own  work, 
and  consisting  of  Practical  Lessons  in  Plain  Painting,  Varnishing, 
Polishing,  Staining,  Pp^rr  Hanging,  Kalsomining,  etc.,  as  well  as 
Directions  for  Renovatin  j  Furniture,  and  Hints  on  Artistic  Work  for 
Home  Decoration.  38  Illustrations.  I2mo.,  183  pp.  .  $1.00 

GEE. — The  Goldsmith's  Handbook  : 

Containing  full  instructions  for  the  Alloying  and  Working  of  Gold, 
including  the  Art  of  Alloying,  Melting,  Reducing,  Coloring,  Col- 
lecting'and  Refining;  the  Processes  of  Manipulation,  Recovery  of 
Waste ;  Chemical  and  Physical  Properties  of  Gold ;  with  a  New 
System  of  Mixing  its  Alloys;  Solders,  Enamels,  and  other  Useful 
Rules  and  Recipes.  By  GEORGE  E.  GEE.  I2mo.  .  .  #1.75 

GEE. — The  Silversmith's  Handbook  : 

Containing  full  instructions  for  the  Alloying  and  Working  of  Silver, 
including  the  different  modes  of  Refining  and  Melting  the  Metal ;  its 
Solders ;  the  Preparation  of  Imitation  Alloys ;  Methods  of  Manipula- 
tion ;  Prevention  of  Waste  ;  Instructions  for  Improving  and  Finishing 
the  Surface  of  the  Work ;  together  with  other  Useful  Information  and 
Memoranda.  By  GEORGE  E.  GEE.  Illustrated.  I2ino.  $i-75 

GOTHIC  ALBUM  FOR  CABINET-MAKERS: 

Designs  for  Gothic  Furniture.     Twenty-three  plates.     Oblong   $2.00 

GRANT. — A  Handbook  on  the  Teeth  of  Gears  : 

Their  Curves,  Properties,  and  Practical  Construction.  By  GEORGE 
B.  GRANT.  Illustrated.  Third  Edition,  enlarged.  8vo.  $1.50 

GREENWOOD.— Steel  and  Iron: 

Comprising  the  Practice  and  Theory  of  the  Several  Methods  Pur- 
sued in  their  Manufacture,  and  of  their  Treatment  in  the  Rolling- 
Mills,  the  Forge,  and  the  Foundry.  By  WILLIAM  HENRY  GREEN- 
WOOD, F.  C.  S.  With  97  Diagrams,  536  pages.  I2mo.  #2.00 


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GREGORY. — Mathematics  for  Practical  Men : 

Adapted  to  the  Pursuits  of  Surveyors,  Architects,  Mechanics,  and 
Civil  Engineers.  By  OLINTHUS  GREGORY.  8vo.,  plates  $3.00 

GRIMSHAW.— Saws : 

The  History,  Development,  Action,  Classification,  and  Comparison 
of  Saws  of  all  kinds.  With  Copious  Appendices.  Giving  the  details 
of  Manufacture,  Filing,  Setting,  Gumming,  etc.  Care  and  Use  of 
Saws;  Tables  of  Gauges;  Capacities  of  Saw-Mills;  List  of  Saw- 
Patents,  and  other  valuable  information.  By  ROBERT  GRIMSHAW. 
Second  and  greatly  enlarged  edition,  with  Supplement,  and  354 
Illustrations.  Quarto  .  $5.00 

GRISWOLD. — Railroad  Engineer's  Pocket  Companion  for  the 

Field : 

Comprising  Rules  for  Calculating  Deflection  Distances  and  Angles, 
Tangential  Distances  and  Angles,  and  all  Necessary  Tables  for  En- 
gineers; also  the  Art  of  Levelling  from  Preliminary  Survey  to  th« 
Construction  of  Railroads,  intended  Expressly  for  the  Young  En- 
gineer, together  with  Numerous  Valuable  Rules  and  Examples.  By 
W.  GRISWOLD.  i2mo.,  tucks $*-75 

GRUNER.— Studies  of  Blast  Furnace  Phenomena: , 

By  M.  L.  GRUNER,  President  of  the  General  Council  of  Mines  o? 
France,  and  lately  Professor  of  Metallurgy  at  the  Ecole  des  Mines. 
Translated,  with  the  author's  sanction,  with  an  Appendix,  by  L.  D. 
B.  GORDON,  F.  R.  S.  E.,  F.  G.  S.  8vo.  .  .  .  $2.50 

Hand-Book  of  Useful  Tables  for  the  Lumberman,  Farmer  and 

Mechanic: 

Containing  Accurate  Tables  of  Logs  Reduced  to  Inch  Board  Meas* 
ure,  Plank,  Scantling  and  Timber  Measure ;  Wages  and  Rent,  by 
Week  or  Month;  Capacity  of  Granaries,  Bins  and  Cisterns;  Land 
Measure,  Interest  Tables,  with  Directions  for  Finding  the  Interest  on 
any  sum  at  4,  5,  6,  7  and  8  per  cent.,  and  many  other  Useful  Tables. 
32  mo.,  boards.  186  pages  .  .  .  .  .  .25 

HASERICK. — The  Secrets  of  the  Art  of  Dyeing  Wool,  Cotton, 

and  Linen, 

Including  Bleaching  and  Coloring  Wool  and  Cotton  Hosiery  and 
Random  Yarns.  A  Treatise  based  on  Economy  and  Practice.  By 
E.  C.  HASERICK.  Illustrated  by  323  Dyed  Patterns  of  the  Yamt 
or  Fabrics.  8vo $7-5o 

HATS  AND  FELTING: 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  their  Manufacture.  By  a  Practical  Hatter. 
Illustrated  by  Drawings  of  Machinery,  etc.  8vo.  .  .  $1.25 

ttOFFER. — A   Practical   Treatise   on   Caoutchouc  and  Gutta 

Percha, 

Comprising  the  Properties  of  the  Raw  Materials,  and  the  manner  or* 
Mixing  and  Working  them ;  with  the  Fabrication  of  Vulcanized  and 
Hard  Rubbers,  Caoutchouc  and  Gutta  Percha  Compositions,  Water- 


HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE.          15 

proof  Substances,  Elastic  Tissues,  the  Utilization  of  Waste,  etc.,  etc 
From  the  German  of  RAIMUND  HOFFER.  By  W.  T.  BRANNT 

Illustrated  I2mo $250 

HOFMANN.— A   Practical   Treatise  on  the   Manufacture   of 

Paper  in  all  its  Branches  : 

By  CARL  HOFMANN,  Late  Superintendent  of  Paper-Mills  in  Germany 
and  the  United  States;  recently  Manager  of  the  "Public  Ledger" 
Paper-Mills,  near  Elkton,  Maryland.  Illustrated  by  no  wood  en- 
gravings, and  five  large  Folding  Plates.  410.,  cloth;  about  400 

HUGHES.— American  Miller  and  Millwright's  Assistant- 

By  WILLIAM  CARTER  HUGHES.     121110 '  $1>5o 

HULME.— Worked  Examination  Questions  in  Plane  Geomet- 
rical Drawing  : 

For  the  Use  of  Candidates  for  the  Royal  Military  Academy,  Wool, 
wich;  the  Royal  Military  College,  Sandhurst ;  the  Indian  Civil  En, 
gineenng  College,  Cooper's  Hill ;  Indian  Public  Works  and  Tele- 
graph Departments ;  Royal  Marine  Li<jht  Infantry  ;  the  Oxford  and 
Cambridge  Local  Examinations,  etc.  By  F.  EDWARD  HULME,  F.  L. 
S.,  F.  S.  A.,  Art-Master  Marlborough  College.  Illustrated  by  700 
examples.  Small  quarto o  ' 

IERVIS.— Railroad  Property: 

A  Treatise  on  the  Construction  and  Management  of  Railways; 
designed  to  afford  useful  knowledge,  in  the  popular  style,  to  the 
holders  of  this  class  of  property ;  as  well  as  Railway  Managers,  Offi- 
cers, and  Agents.  By  JOHN  B.  JERVIS,  late  Civil  Engineer  of  the 
Hudson  River  Railroad,  Croton  Aqueduct,  etc.  i2mo.,  cloth  $2.oc 

KEENED— A  Hand-Book  of  Practical  Gauging: 

For  the  Use  of  Beginners,  to  which  is  added  a  Chapter  on  Distilla- 
tion, describing  the  process  in  operation  at  the  Custom- House  for 
ascertaining  the  Strength  of  Wines.  By  JAMES  B.  KEENE,  of  H.  M. 
Customs.  8vo. $f-25 

KELLEY.— Speeches,  Addresses,  and  Letters  on  Industrial  and 

Financial  Questions : 
By  HON.  WILLIAM  D.  KELLEY,  M.  C.     544  pages,  8vo.  .        $3.00 

KELLOGG.— A  New  Monetary  System  : 

The  only  means  of  Securing  the  respective  Rights  of  Labor  and 
Property,  and  of  Protecting  the  Public  from  Financial  Revulsions. 
By  EDWARD  KELLOGG.  Revised  from  his  work  on  "Labor  and 
other  Capital."  With  numerous  additions  from  his  m-miseript. 
Edited  by  MARY  KELLOGG  PUTNAM.  Fifth  edition.  To  which  w 
added  a  Biographical  Sketch  of  the  Author.  One  volume,  I2mo. 

Paper  cover $1.00 

Bound  in  cloth l-5° 

EM LO.— Watch-Repairer's  Hand-Book : 

Beincr  a  Complete  Guide  to  the  Young  Beginner,  in  Taking  Apart, 
Putting  Together,  and  Thoroughly  Cleaning  the  English  Lever  and 
other  Foreign  Watches,  and  all  American  Watches.  By  F.  KEMLO, 
Practical  Watchmaker.  With  Illustrations.  I2mo,  .  |l.2f 


16  HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 

KENTISH.— A  Treatise  on  a  Box  of  Instruments, 
And  the  Slide  Rule ;  with  the  Theory  of  Trigonometry  and  Loga 
rithms,  including  Practical  Geometry,  Surveying,  Measuring  of  Tim. 
her,  Cask  and  Malt  Gauging,  Heights,  and  Distances.     By  THOMAJ 
KENTISH.     In  one  volume.     I2mo.  ...  $i  2J 

KERL.— The  Assayer's  Manual: 

An  Abridged  Treatise  on  the  Docimastic  Examination  of  Ores,  and 
Furnace  and  other  Artificial  Products.  By  BRUNO  KERL,  Professor 
in  the  Royal  School  of  Mines.  Translated  from  the  German  by 
WILLIAM  T.  BRANNT.  Second  American  edition"  edited  with  Ex- 
tensive Additions  by  F.  LYNWOOD  GARRISON,  Member  of  the 
American  Institute  of  Mining  Engineers,  etc.  Illustrated  by  87  en- 
gravings. 8vo .  $3.00 

RICK. — Flour  Manufacture. 

A  Treatise  on  Milling  Science  and  Practice.  By  FREDERICK  KICK, 
Imperial  Regierungsrath,  Professor  of  Mechanical  Technology  in  the 
imperial  German  Polytechnic  Institute,  Prague.  Translated  from 
the  second  enlarged  and  revised  edition  with  supplement  by  H.  H. 
P.  POWLES,  Assoc.  Memb.  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers.  Illustrated 
with  28  Plates,  and  167  Wood-cuts.  367  pages.  8vo.  .  $10.00 
KINGZETT.— The  History,  Products,  and  Processes  of  the 

Alkali  Trade : 

Including  the  most  Recent  Improvements.     By  CHARLES  THOMAS 
KINGZETT,  Consulting  Chemist.    With  23  illustrations.    8vo.       $2.50 
KIRK.— The  Founding  of  Metals  : 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Melting  of  Iron,  with  a  Description  of  the 
Founding  of  Alloys;  also,  of  all  the  Metals  and  Mineral  Substances 
used  in  the  Art  of  Founding.  Collected  from  original  sources.  By 
EDWARD  KIRK,  Practical  Foundryman  and  Chemist.  Illustrated. 

Third  edition.     8vo. $2.50 

LANDRIN.— A  Treatise  on  Steel : 

Comprising  its  Theory,  Metallurgy,  Properties,  Practical  Working, 
and  Use.  By  M.  H.  C.  LANDRIN,  JR.,  Civil  Engineer.  Translated 
from  the  French,  with  Notes,  by  A.  A.  FESQUET,  Chemist  and  En 
gineer.  With  an  Appendix  on  the  Bessemer  and  the  Martin  Pro 
r^sses  for  Manufacturing  Steel,  from  the  Report  of  Abram  S.  Hewitt 
United  States  Commissioner  to  the  Universal  Exposition,  Paris,  1867. 

I2mo $3.oc 

LANGBEIN. — A  Complete  Treatise  on  the  Electro-Deposition 

of  Metals : 

Translated  from  the  German,  with  Additions,  by  WM.  T.  BRANNT. 
125  illustrations.  8vo $4.00 

LARDNER. — The  Steam-Engine  : 

F«r  fie  Use  of  Beginners.     Illustrated.     I2mo.    ...         75 


HENRY   CAREY    BAIRD   &   CO.'S   CATALOGUE.        17 

LARKIN. — The  Practical  Brass  and  Iron  Founder's  Guide? 
A  Concise  Treatise  on  Brass  Founding,  Moulding,  the  Metals  and 
their  Alloys,  etc.;  to  which  are  added  Recent  Improvements  in  the 
Manufacture  of  Iron,  Steel  by  the  Bessemer  Process,  etc.,  etc.  By 
JAMES  LARKIN,  late  Conductor  of  the  Brass  Foundry  Department  ia 
Reany,  Neafie  &  Co.'s  Penn  Works,  Philadelphia.  Fifth  edition, 
revised,  with  extensive  additions.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $2.25 

LEROUX.— A    Practical     Treatise    on    the    Manufacture    of 

Worsteds  and  Carded  Yarns  : 

Comprising  Practical  Mechanics,  with  Rules  and  Calculations  applied 
to  Spinning;  Sorting,  Cleaning,  and  Scouring  Wools;  the  English 
and  French  Methods  of  Combing,  Drawing,  and  Spinning  Worsteds, 
and  Manufacturing  Carded  Yarns.  Translated  from  the  French  of 
CHARLES  LEROUX,  Mechanical  Engineer  and  Superintendent  of  a 
Spinning-Mill,  by  HORATIO  PAINE,  M.  D.,  and  A.  A.  FESQUET, 
Chemist  and  Engineer.  Illustrated  by  twelve  large  Plates.  To  which 
is  added  an  Appendix,  containing  Extracts  from  the  Reports  of  the 
International  Jury,  and  of  the  Artisans  selected  by  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Council  of  the  Society  of  Arts,  London,  on  Woolen 
and  Worsted  Machinery  and  Fabrics,  as  exhibited  in  the  Paris  Uni- 
versal Exposition,  1867.  8vo.  $5.00 

LEFFEL. — The  Construction  of  Mill-Dams  : 
Comprising  also  the  Birlding  of  Race  and   Reservoir  Embankments 
and   Head-Gates,  I&:   Measurement  of  Streams,  Gauging  of  Water 
Supply,  etc.     By  JAM^S  LEFFEL  &  Co.    Illustrated  by  58  engravings. 
8vo. $2.50 

LESLIE.-^Complete  Cookery: 

Directions  for  Cookery  in  its  Various  Branches.  By  Miss  LESLIE. 
Sixtieth  thonsand.  Thoroughly  revised,  with  the  addition  of  New 
Receipts.  I2mo $1.50 

LE  VAN. — The  Steam  Engine  and  the  Indicator : 

Their  Origin   and   Progressive   Development ;   including  the   Most 
Recent  Examples  df  Steam  and  Gas  Motors,  together  with  the  Indi- 
cator, its  Principles,   its  Utility,  and   its   Application.     By  WILLIAM 
BARNET  LE  VAN.     Illustrated  by  205  Engravings,  chiefly  of  Indi- 
cator-Cards.    469  pp.     8vo.     ......         $4.00 

LIEBER.— Assayer's  Guide  : 

Or,  Practical  Directions  to  Assayers,  Miners,  and  Smelters,  for  the 
Tests  and  Assays,  by  Heat  and  by  Wet  Processes,  for  the  Ores  of  all 
the  principal  Metals,  of  Gold  and  Silver  Coins  and  Alloys,  and  of 
Coai,  etc.  By  OSCAR  M.  LIERER.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $1.25 

Lockwood's  Dictionary  of  Terms  : 

Used  in  the  Practice  of  Mechanical  Engineering,  embracing  those 
Current  in  the  Drawing  Office,  Pattern  Shop,  Foundry,  Fitting,  Turn- 
Ing,  Smith's  and  Boiler  Shops,  etc.,  etc.,  comprising  upwards  of  Six 
Thousand  Definitions.  Edited  by  a  Foreman  Pattern  Maker,  author 
L-f  "  Pattern  Making."  417  pp.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $3.00 


i8         HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 

LUKIN. — Amongst  Machines: 

Embracing  Descriptions  of  the  various  Mechanical  Appliances  used 
in  the  Manufacture  of  Wood,  Metal,  and  other  Substances.  I2mo. 

1UKIN.— The  Boy  Engineers : 
What  They  Did,  and  How  They  Did  It.     With  30  plates.    l8mo. 

LUKIN.— The  Young  Mechanic : 

Practical  Carpentry.  Containing  Directions  for  the  Use  of  all  kinds 
of  Tools,  and  for  Construction  of  Steam-Engines  and  Mechanical 
Models,  including  the  Art  of  Turning  in  Wood  and  Metal.  By  JOHN 
LUKIN,  Author  of  "The  Lathe  and  Its  Uses,"  etc.  Illustrated. 
I2mo.  ..........  $i-75 

MAIN  and  BROWN. — Questions  on  Subjects  Connected  with 

the  Marine  Steam-Engine : 

And  Examination  Papers;  with  Hints  for  their  Solution.  By 
THOMAS  J.  MAIN,  Professor  of  Mathematics,  Royal  "sraval  College, 
and  THOMAS  BROWN,  Chief  Engineer,  R.  N.  I2mo.,  cloth  .  $1.50 

MAIN  and  BROWN. — The  Indicator  and  Dynamometer: 
With  their  Practical  Applications  to  the  Steam-Engine.     By  THOMAS 
J.  MAIN,   M.  A.  F.  R.,  Ass't    S.   Professor   Royal   Naval   College, 
Portsmouth,  and  THOMAS  BROWN,  Assoc.  Inst.  C.  E.,  Chief  Engineer 
R.  N.,  attached  to  the  R.  N.  College.     Illustrated.     8vo.  .         $i-5<? 

MAIN  and  BROWN.— The  Marine  Steam-Engine. 

By  THOMAS  J.  MAIN,  F.  R.  Ass't  S.  Mathematical  Professor  at  the 
Royal  Naval  College,  Portsmouth,  and  THOMAS  BROWN,  Assoc. 
Inst.  C.  E.,  Chief  Engineer  R.  N.  Attached  to  the  Royal  NavaJ 
College.  With  numerous  illustrations.  8vo.  .  .  $5.00 

MAKINS.— A  Manual  of  Metallurgy: 

By  GEORGE  HOGARTH  MAKINS.  100  engravings.  Second  edition 
rewritten  and  much  enlarged.  I2mo.,  592  pages  .  .  $3.00 

MARTIN.— Screw-Cutting  Tables,  for  the  Use  of  Mechanical 

Engineers  : 

Showing  the  Proper  Arrangement  of  Wheels  for  Cutting  the  Threads 
of  Screws  of  any  Required  Pitch;  with  a  Table  for  Making  the  Uni- 
versal Gas-Pipe  Thread  and  Taps.  By  W.  A.  MARTIN,  Engineer. 
8vo. 50 

MICHELL.— Mine  Drainage: 

Being  a  Complete  and  Practical  Treatise  on  Direct- Acting  Under- 
ground  Steam  Pumping  Machinery.  With  a  Description  of  a  large 
number  of  the  best  known  Engines,  their  General  Utility  and  Ihe 
Special  Sphere  of  their  Action,  the  Mode  of  their  Application,  and 
their  Merits  compared  with  other  Pumping  Machinery.  By  STEPHEN 
MICHELL.  Illustrated  by  1 37  engravings.  8vo.,  277  pages  .  $6.00 

%OLESWORTH.— Pocket-Book    of    Useful     Formulae    and 

Memoranda  for  Civil  and  Mechanical  Engineers. 
By  GUILFORD  L.  MOLESWORTH,  Member  of  the  Institution  of  Civi1 
Engineers,  Chief  Resident   Engineer  of  the  Ceylon  Railway.     Full- 
bound  in   Pocket-book  form $1  ct> 


HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO."S  CATALOGUE.          19 

MOORE. — The  Universal  Assistant  and  the  Complete  Me- 
chanic : 

Containing  over  one  million  Industrial  Facts,  Calculations,  Receipts, 
Processes,  Trades  Secrets,  Rules,  Business  Forms,  Legal  Items,  Etc.,- 
in  every  occupation,  from  the  Household  to  the  Manufactory.  By 
R.  MOORE.  Illustrated  by  500  Engravings.  I2mo.  .  $2.50 

MORRIS.— Easy  Rules  for  the  Measurement  of  Earthworks: 
By  means  of  the  Prismoidal  Formula.  Illustrated  with  Numerouj 
Wood-Cuts,  Problems,  and  Examples,  and  concluded  by  an  Exten- 
sive Table  for  finding  the  Solidity  in  cubic  yards  from  Mean  Areas. 
The  whole  being  adapted  for  convenient  use  by  Engineers,  Surveyors, 
Contractors,  and  others  needing  Correct  Measurements  of  Earthwork. 
By  ELWOOD  MORRIS,  C.  E.  8vo $  1.50 

MORTON. — The  System  of  Calculating  Diameter,  Circumfer- 
ence, Area,  and  Squaring  the  Circle : 

Together  with  Interest  and  Miscellaneous  Tables,  and  other  informa- 
tion. By  JAMES  MORTON.  Second  Edition,  enlarged,  with  the 
Metric  System.  I2mo $1.00 

NAPIER.— Manual  of  Electro-Metallurgy: 

Including  the  Application  of  the  Art  to  Manufacturing  Processes. 
By  JAMES  NAPIER.  Fourth  American,  from  the  Fourth  London 
edition,  revised  and  enlarged.  Illustrated  by  engravings.  8vo. 

NAPIER. — A  System  of  Chemistry  Applied  to  Dyeing. 
By  JAMES  NAPIER,  F.  C.  S.  A  New  and~~"Thoroughly  Revised  Edi- 
tion. Completely  brought  up  to  the  present  state  of  the  Science, 
including  the  Chemistry  of  Coal  Tar  Colors,  by  A.  A.  FESQUET, 
Chemist  and  Engineer.  With  an  Appendix  on  Dyeing  and  Calico 
Printing^  as  shown  at  the  Universal  Exposition,  Paris,  1867.  Illus- 
trated. 8vo.  422  pages $3-5o 

NEVILLE.— Hydraulic  Tables,  Coefficients,  and  Formulae,  for 
finding  the  Discharge  of  Water  from  Orifices,  Notches, 
Weirs,  Pipes,  and  Rivers  : 

Third  Edition,  with  Additions,  consisting  of  New.  Formulae  for  the 
Discharge  from  Tidal  and  Flood  Sluices  and  Siphons;  general  infor- 
mation on  Rainfall,  Catchment-Basins,  Drainage,  Sewerage,  Water 
Supply  for  Towns  and  Mill  Power.  By  TOHN  NEVILLE,  C.  E.  M.  R, 
I.  A.;  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Geological  Society  of  Ireland.  Thict 
I2mo 55.50 

NEWBERY.— Gleanings     from     Ornamental     Art    of     every 

style : 

Drawn  from  Examples  in  the  British,  South  Kensington,  Indian, 
Crystal  Palace,  and  other  Museums,  the  Exhibitions  of  1851  and 
1862,  and  the  best  English  and  Foreign  works.  In  a  series  of  ioo 
exquisitely  drawn  Plates,  containing  many  hundred  examples.  B* 
ROBERT  NEWHERY.  410. $12.50 

(WICHOLLS.  —The  Theoretical  and  Practical  Boiler-Maker  and 

Engineer's  Reference  Book: 

Containing  a  variety  of  Useful  Information  for  Employers  of  Labor. 
Foremen  and  Working  Boiler-Makers.  Iron,  Copper,  and  Tins*r,itUa 


xo         HENRY  CAREY  BA1RD  £  CO.'S  CATALOGUE 

Draughtsmen,  Engineers,  the  General  Steam-using  Public,  and  for  the 
Use  of  Science  Schools  and  Classes.  By  SAMUEL  NICHOLLS.  Illus- 
trated by  sixteen  plates,  I2mo. $2.50 

NICHOLSON.— A  Manual  of  the  Art  of  Bookbinding : 

Containing  full  instructions  in  the  different  Branches  of  Forwarding, 
Gilding,  and  Finishing.  Also,  the  Art  of  Marbling  Book-edges  and 
Paper.  By  JAMES  B.  NICHOLSON.  Illustrated.  I2mo.,  cloth  $2.25 

NICOLLS.— The  Railway  Builder: 

A  Hand-Book  for  Estimating  the  Probable  Cost  of  American  Rail- 
way Construction  and  Equipment.  By  WILLIAM  J.  NlCOLLS,  Civil 
Engineer.  Illustrated,  full  bound,  pocket-book  form  .  $2.00 

NORMANDY.— The  Commercial  Handbook  of  Chemical  An- 

alysis : 

Or  Practical  Instructions  for  the  Determination  of  the  Intrinsic  01 
Commercial  Value  of  Substances  used  in  Manufactures,  in  Trades, 
and  in  the  Arts.  By  A.  NORMANDY.  New  Edition,  Enlarged,  and 
to  a  great  extent  rewritten.  By  HENRY  M.  NOAD,  Ph.D.,  F.R.S., 
thick  I2mo.  .........  $5.00 

MORRIS. — A  Handbook  for  Locomotive   Engineers  and  Ma- 
chinists : 

Comprising  the  Proportions  and  Calculations  for  Constructing  Loco- 
motives;  Manner  of  Setting  Valves;  Tables  of  Squares,  Cubes,  Areas, 
etc.,  etc.  By  SEPTIMUS  NORRIS,  M.  E.  New  edition.  Illustrated, 
I2mo. #1.50 

NYSTRGM. — A  New  Treatise  on  Elements  of  Mechanics : 
Establishing  Strict  Precision  in  the   Meaning  of  Dynamical   Terms: 
accompanied  with  an  Appendix  on  Duodenal  Arithmetic  and   Me- 
trology.    By  JOHN  W.  NYSTROM,  C.  E.     Illustrated.     8vo.       $2.oc 

NYSTROM. — On  Technological  Education  and  the  Construc- 
tion of  Ships  and  Screw  Propellers : 

For  Naval  and  Marine  Engineers.  By  JOHN  W.  NYSTROM,  late 
Acting  Chief  Engineer,  U.  S.  N.  Second  edition,  revised,  with  addi- 
tional matter.  Illustrated  by  seven  engravings.  I2mo.  .  $1.50 

3'NEILL. — A  Dictionary  of  Dyeing  and  Calico  Printing: 
Containing  a  brief  account  of  all  the  Substances  and  Processes  in 
use  in  the  Art  of  Dyeing  and  Printing  Textile  Fabrics  ;  with  Practical 
Receipts  and  Scientific  Information.  By  CHARLES  O'NEILL,  Analy- 
tical Chemist.  To  which  is  added  an  Essay  on  Coal  Tar  Colors  and 
their  application  to  Dyeing  and  Calico  Printing.  By  A.  A.  FF.SQUKT, 
Chemist  and  Engineer.  With  an  appendix  on  Dyeing  and  Calico 
Printing,  as  shown  at  the  Universal  Exposition,  Paris,  1867-  8vo.. 
491  pages  .  $3.50 

DRTON. — Underground  Treasures*. 

How  and  Where  to  Find  Them.  A  Key  for  the  Ready  Determination 
of  all  the  Useful  Minerals  within  the  United  States.  By  JAMES 
ORTON,  A.M.,  Late  Professor  of  Natural  History  in  Vassar  College, 
N.  Y.;  Cor.  Mem.  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  Philadelphia, 
and  of  the  Lyceum  of  Natural  History,  New  York ;  author  of  the 
14  Andes  and  the  Amazon,"  etc.  A  New  Edition,  with  Additions. 
Illustrated  ,  , i.9 


HENRY   CAREY  BAIRD   &   CO.'S   CATALOGUE.       21 


OSBORN.— The  Prospector's  Field  Book  and  Guide : 

In  the  Search  for  and  the  Easy  Determination  of  Ores  and  Other 
Useful  Minerals.  By  Prof.  H.  S.  OSBORN,  LL.  D.,  Author  of 
"  The  Metallurgy  of  Iron  and  Steel ;  "  "A  Practical  Manual  of 
Minerals,  Mines,  and  Mining."  Illustrated  by  44  Engravings. 
I2mo.  ..........  $1.50 

OSBORN. — A  Practical  Manual  of  Minerals,  Mines  and  Min- 
ing: 

Comprising  the  Physical  Properties,  Geologic  Positions,  Local  Occur- 
rence and  Associations  of  the  Useful  Minerals;  their  Methods  of 
Chemical  Analysis  and  Assay :  together  with  Various  Systems  of 
Excavating  and  Timbering,  Brick  and  Masonry  Work,  during  Driv- 
ing, Lining,  Bracing  and  other  Operations,  etc.  By  Prof.  H.  S. 
OSBORN,  LL.  D.,  Author  of  the  "  Metallurgy  of  Iron  and  Steel." 
Illustrated  by  171  engravings  from  original  drawings.  8vo.  #4.50 

OVERMAN.— The  Manufacture  of  Steel: 

Containing  the  Practice  and  Principles  of  Working  and  Making  Steel. 
A  Handbook  for  Blacksmiths  and  Worker?  in  Steel  and  Iron,  Wagon 
Makers,  Die  Sinkers,  Cutlers,  and  Manufacturers  of  Files  and  Hard- 
ware, of  Sli?el  and  Iron,  and  for  Men  of  Science  and  Art.  By 
FREDERICK  OVERMAN,  Mining  Engineer,  Author  of  the  "  Manu- 
facture of  Ifon,"  etc.  A  new,  enlarged,  and  revised  Edition.  By 
A.  A.  FESQUfiT,  Chemist  and  Engineer.  I2mo.  .  .  $1.50 

OVERMAN.— The  Moulder's  and  Founder's  Pocket  Guide  : 
A  Treatise  on  Moulding  and  Founding  in  Green-sand,  Dry-sand,  Loam, 
and  Cement;  the  Moulding  of  Machine  Frames,  Mill-gear,  Hollow* 
ware,  Ornaments,  Trinkets,  Bells,  and  Statues;  Description  of  Moulds 
for  Iron,'Brcnze,  Brass,  and  other  Metals;  Plaster  of  Paris,  Sulphur, 
Wax,  etc. ;  the  Construction  of  Melting  Furnaces,  the  Melting  and 
Founding  of  Metals  ;  the  Composition  of  Alloys  and  their  Nature, 
etc.,  etc.  By  FREDERICK  OVERMAN,  M.  E.  A  new  Edition,  to 
which  is  added  a  Supplement  on  Statuary  and  Ornamental  Moulding, 
Ordnance,  Malleable  Iron  Castings,  etc.  By  A.  A.  FESQUET,  Chem- 
ist and  Engineer.  Illustrated  by  44  engravings.  I2mo.  .  $2.OC. 

PAINTER,  GILDER,  AND  VARNISHER'S  COMPANION;' 
Containing  Rules  and  Regulations  in  everything  relating  to  the  Art? 
of  Painting,  Gilding,  Varnishing,  Glass-Staining,  Graining,  Marbling, 
Sign-Writing,  Gilding  on  Glass,  and  Coach  Painting  and  Varnishing; 
Tests  for  the  Detection  of  Adulterations  in  Oils,  Colors,  etc.;  and  a 
Statement  of  the  Diseases  to  which  Painters  are  peculiarly  liable,  with 
the  Simplest  and  Best  Remedies.  Sixteenth  Edition.  Revised,  with 
an  Appendix.  Containing  Colors  and  Coloring — Theoretical  and 
Practical.  Comprising  descriptions  of  a  great  variety  of  Additional 
Pigments,  their  Qualities  and  Uses,  to  which  are  added,  Dryers,  and 
Modes  and  Operations  of  Painting,  etc.  Together  with  Chevreul's 
Principles  of  Harmony  and  Contrast  of  Colors.  I2mo.  Cloth  $1.50 

PALLETT. — The  Miller's,  Millwright's,  and  Engineer's  Guide. 
By  HENRY  PALLETT.     Illustrated.     I2mo.       .        .        -         #2.00 


22          HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 

PERCY. — The  Manufacture  of  Russian  Sheet-Iron. 

By  JOHN  PERCY,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  S.,  Lecturer  on  Metallurgy  at  the 
Royal  School  of  Mines,  and  to  The  Advance  Class  of  Artillery 
Officers  at  the  Royal  Artillery  Institution,  Woolwich;  Author  of 
"  Metallurgy."  With  Illustrations.  8vo.,  paper  .  .  50  cts. 

PERKIN-S. — Gas  and  Ventilation  : 

Practical  Treatise  on  Gas  and  Ventilation.  With  Special  Relation 
to  Illuminating,  Heating,  and  Cooking  by  Gas.  Including  Scientific 
Helps  to  Engineer-students  and  others.  With  Illustrated  Diagrams, 
By  E.  E.  PERKINS.  I2mo.,  cloth $1.25 

PERKINS  AND  STOWE.— A  New  Guide  to  the  Sheet-iron 

and  Boiler  Plate  Roller  : 

Containing  a  Series  of  Tables  showing  the  Weight  of  Slabs  and  Piles 
to  Produce  Boiler  Plates,  and  of  the  Weight  of  Piles  and  the  Sizes  of 
Bars  to  produce  Sheet-iron ;  the  Thickness  of  the  Bar  Gauge 
in  decimals ;  the  Weight  per  foot,  and  the  Thickness  on  the  Bar  or 
Wire  Gauge  of  the  fractional  parts  of  an  inch;  the  Weight  per 
sheet,  and  the  Thickness  on  the  Wire  Gauge  of  Sheet-iron  of  various 
dimensions  to  weigh  112  Ibs.  per  bundle;  and  the  conversion  of 
Short  Weight  into  Long  Weight,  and  Long  Weight  into  Short. 
Estimated  and  collected  by  G.  H.  PERKINS  and  J.  G.  STOWE.  $2.50 

POWELL-CHANCE— HARRIS  —The    Principles  of   Glass 

Making. 

By  HARRY  J.  POWELL,  B.  A.  Together  with  Treatises  on  Crown  and 
Sheet  Glass;  by  HENRY  CHANCE,  M.  A.  And  Plate  Glass,  by  H. 
G.  HARRIS,  Asso.  M.  Inst.  C.  E.  Illustrated  i8mo.  .  $1.50 

PROCTOR.— A  Pocket-Book  of  Useful  Tables  and  Formulae 

for  Marine  Engineers  : 

By  FRANK  PROCTOR.  Second  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged. 
Full -bound  pocket-book  form  .  .  .  .  .  .  $1.50 

KEGNAULT.— Elements  of  Chemistry: 

By  M.  V.  REGNAULT.  Translated  from  the  French  by  T.  FORREST 
BETTON,  M.  D.,  a«d  edited,  with  Notes,  by  JAMES  C.  BOOTH,  Melter 
and  Refiner  U.  S.  Mint,  tind  WILLIAM  L.  FAHER,  Metallurgist  and 
Mining  Engineer.  Illustrated  by  nearly  700  wood-engravings.  Com- 
prising nearly  1,500  pages.  In  two  volumes,  8vo.,  cloth  .  $7  co 

RICHARDS.— Aluminium : 

Its  History,  Occurrence,  Properties,  Metallurgy  and  Applications, 
including  its  Alloys.  By  JOSEPH  W.  RICHARDS,  A.  C.,  Chemist  and 
Practical  Metallurgist,  Member  of  the  Deutsche  Chemische  Gesell- 
schaft.  Illustrated $5.00 

RIFFAULT,  VERGNAUD,  and  TOUSSAINT.— A  Practical 

Treatise  on  the  Manufacture  of  Colors  for  Painting : 
Comprising  the  Origin,  Definition,  and  Classification  of  Colors;  the 
Treatment  of  the  Raw  Materials ;  the  best  Formulae  and  the  Newest 
Processes  for  the  Preparation  of  every  description  of  Pigment,  and 
the  Necessary  Apparatus  and  Directions  for  its  Use;  Dryers;  the 
Testing.  Application,  and  Qualities  of  Paints,  etc.,  etc.  By  MM. 
RJFFAULT,  VERGNAUD,  and  TOUSSAINT.  Revised  and  Edited  by  M. 


HENRY  CAREY  BA1RD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE.          «3 

f\  MALEPEYBE.  Translated  from  the  French,  by  A.  A.  FESQUET;. 
Chemist  and  Engineer.  Illustrated  by  Eighty  engravings.  In  one 
vol.,  8vo.,  659  pages $7-$O 

fcOPER. — A  Catechism  of  High-Pressure,  or  Non-Condensing 

Steam-Engines : 

Including  the  Modelling,  Constructing,  and  Management  of  Steanv 
Engines  and  Steam  Boilers.  With  valuable  illustrations.  By  STE- 
PHEN ROPER,  Engineer.  Sixteenth  edition,  revised  and  enlarged. 
i8mo.,  tucks,  gilt  edge $2.00 

gOPER. — Engineer's  Handy-Book: 

Containing  a  full  Explanation  of  the  Steam-Engine  Indicator,  and  its 
Use  and  Advantages  to  Engineers  and  Steam  Users,  With  Formula 
/or  Estimating  the  Power  of  all  Classes  of  Steam-Engines ;  also. 
Facts,  Figures,  Questions,  and  Tables  for  Engineers  who  wish  to 
qualify  themselves  for  the  United  States  Navy,  the  Revenue  Service, 
the  Mercantile  Marine,  or  to  take  charge  of  the  Better  Class  of  Sta- 
tionary Steam-Engines.  Sixth  edition.  i6mo.,  690  pages,  tucks, 
gilt'edge £3.50 

ROPER. — Hand-Book  of  Land  and  Marine  Engines  : 
Including  the  Modelling,  Construction,  Running,  and  Management 
of  Lane1  and  Marine  Engines  and  Boilers.     With  illustrations.     By 
STEPHEN  ROPER,  Engineer.    Sixth  edition.     I2mo.,tx'cks,  gilt  edge. 

$3-50 
ROPER.— Hand-Book  of  the  Locomotive  : 

Including  the  Construction  of  Engines  and  Boilers,  and  the  Construc- 
tion, Management,  and  Running  of  Locomotives.  By  STEPHEN 
ROPER.  ,  Eleventh  edition.  i8mo.,  tucks,  gilt  edge  .  $2.50 

ROPER.— Hand-Book  of  Modern  Steam  Fire-Engines. 

With  illustrations.  By  STEPHEN  ROPER,  Engineer.  Fourth  edition, 
I2mo.,  tucks,  gilt  edge $3-5O 

ROPER. — Questions  and  Answers  for  Engineers. 

This  little  book  contains  all  the  Questions  that  Engineers  will  be 
asked  when  undergoing  an  Examination  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 
Licenses,  and  they  are  so  plain  that  any  Engineer  or  Fireman  of  or- 
dinary intelligence  may  commit  them  to  memory  in  a  short  time.  By 
STEPHEN  ROPER,  Engineer.  Third  edition  .  .  .  $3 .00 

ROPER. — Use  and  Abuse  of  the  Steam  Boiler. 

By  STEPHEN  ROPER,  Engineer.  Eighth  edition,  with  illustrations. 
i8mo.,  tucks,  gilt  edge $2.00 

ROSE.— The  Complete  Practical  Machinist : 

Embracing  Lathe  Work,  Vise  Work,  Drills  and  Drilling,  Taps  and 
Dies,  Hardening  and  Tempering,  the  Making  and  Use  of  Tools^ 
Tool  Grinding,  Marking  out  Work,  etc.  By  JOSHUA  ROSE.  Illus- 
trated by  356  engravings.  Thirteenth  edition,  thoroughly  revised^ 
and  in  great  part  rewritten.  In  one  vol.,  I2mo.,  439  pages  $2.^<f 

8OSE. — Mecha'nical  Drawing  Self-Taught: 

Comprising  Instructions  in  the  Selection  and  Preparation  of  Drawing 
Instruments.  Elementary  Instruction  in  Practical  Mechanical  Draw- 


HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 


ing,  together  with  Examples  in  Simple  Geometry  and  Elementary 
Mechanism,  including  Screw  Threads,  Gear  Wheels,  Mechanical 
Motions,  Engines  and  Boilers.  By  JOSHUA  ROSE,  M.  E.  Illustrated, 
by  330  engravings.  8vo  ,313  pages  ....  $4.00 
ROSE.— The  Slide- Valve  Practically  Explained: 

Embracing  simple  and  complete  Practical  Demonstrations  of  thv 
operation  of  each  element  in  a  Slide-valve  Movement,  and  illustrat- 
ing the  effects  of  Variations  in  their  Proportions  by  examples  care- 
fully selected  from  the  most  recent  and  successful  practice.  By 
JOSHUA  ROSE,  M.  E.  Illustrated  by  35  engravings  .  $i.co 

ROSS. — The  Blowpipe  in  Chemistry,  Mineralogy  and  Geology: 

Containing  all  Known  Methods  of  Anhydrous  Analysis,  many  Work- 
ing Examples,  and  Instructions  for  Making  Apparatus.  By  LIEUT.- 
COLONEL  W.  A.  Ross,  R.  A.,  F.  G.  S.  With  120  Illustrations. 

I2mo $2.0O 

SHAW.— Civil  Architecture : 

Being  a  Complete  Theoretical  and  Practical  System  of  Building,  con- 
taining the  Fundamental  Principles  of  the  Art.  By  EDWARD  SHAW, 
Architect.  To  which  is  added  a  Treatise  on  Gothic  Architecture,  etc. 
By  THOMAS  W.  SILLOWAY  and  GEORGE  M.  HARDING,  Architects. 
The  whole  illustrated  by  102  quarto  plates  finely  engraved  on  copper. 
Eleventh  edition.  4to. $10.00 

SHUNK. — A  Practical  Treatise  on  Railway  Curves  and  Loca- 
tion, for  Young  Engineers. 
By  W.  F.  SHUNK,  C.  E.     121110.    Full  bound  pocket-book  form  $2.00 

SLATER. — The  Manual  of  Colors  and  Dye  Wares. 
By  J.  W.  SLATER.     I2mo.        .        .        .        .        .         .        $3-75 

SLOAN. — American  Houses  : 

A  variety  of  Original  Designs  for  Rural  Buildings.  Illustrated  by 
26  colored  engravings,  with  descriptive  references.  By  SAMUEL 
SLOAN,  Architect.  8vo.  .  .  ...  .  .  $1.50 

SLOAN. — Homestead  Architecture  : 

Containing  Forty  Designs  for  Villas,  Cottages,  and  Farm-houses,  with 
Essays  on  Style,  Construction,  Landscape  Gardening,  Furniture,  etc., 
etc.  Illustrated  by  upwards  of  200  engravings.  By  SAMUEL  SLOAN, 
Architect.  8vo $3-S° 

BLOANE.— Home  Experiments  in  Science. 

By  T.  O'CoNOR  SLOANE,  E.  M.,  A.M.,  Ph.D.  Illustrated  by  91 
engravings.  I2mo.  .......  $1.50 

SMEATON.— Builder's  Pocket-Companion : 

Containing  the  Elements  of  Building,  Surveying,  and  Architecture; 
with  Practical  Rules  and  Instructions  connected  with  the  subject. 
By  A.  C.  SMEATON,  Civil  Engineer,  etc.  I2mo.  .  .  $1.50 
SMITH. — A  Manual  of  Political  Economy. 
By  E.  PESHINE  SMITH.  A  New  Edition,  to  which  is  added  a  full 
Index.  I2mo, $1  25 


HENRY  CAREY  LAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE.          25 


SMITH. — Parks  and  Pleasure-Grounds  : 

Or  Practical  Notes  on  Country  Residences,  Villas,  Public  Parks,  and 
Gardens.  By  CHARLES  H.  J.  SMITH,  Landscape  Gardener  and 
Garden  Architect,  etc.,  etc.  I2mo.  ....  $2.00 

SMITH.— The  Dyer's  Instructor: 

Comprising  Practical  Instructions  in  the  Art  of  Dyeing  Silk,  Cotton, 
Wool,  and  Worsted,  and  Woolen  .Goods ;  containing  nearly  800 
Receipts.  To  which  is  added  a  Treatise  on  the  Art  of  Padding;  and 
the  Printing  of  Silk  Warps,  Skeins,  and  Handkerchiefs,  and  the 
various  Mordants  and  Colors  for  the  different  styles  of  such  work. 
By  DAVID  SMITH,  Pattern  Dyer.  121110.  .  .  .  $2.00 

SMYTH. — A  Rudimentary  Treatise  on  Coal  and  Coal-Mining. 
By  WARRINGTON  W.  SMYTH,  M.  A.,  F.  R.  G.,  President  R.  G.  S. 
of  Cornwall.  Fifth  edition,  revised  and  corrected.  With  numer- 
ous illustrations.  I2mo.  ......  $*«75 

SNIVELY. — Tables  for  Systematic  Qualitative  Chemical  AnaK 

ysis. 
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SNIVELY. — The  Elements  of  Systematic  Qualitative  Chemical 

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$2.00 

STEWART. — The  American  System  : 

Speeches  on  the  Tariff  Question,  and  on  Internal  Improvements, 
principally  delivered  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
States.  By  ANDREW  STEWART,  late  M.  C.  from  Pennsylvania. 
With  a  Portrait,  and  a  Biographical  Sketch.  8vo.  .  .  $3.00 

STOKES.— The  Cabinet  Maker  and  Upholsterer's  Companion: 
Comprising  the  Art  of  Drawing,  as  applicable  to  Cabinet  Work; 
Veneering,  Inlaying,  and  Buhl- Work;  the  Art  of  Dyeing  and  Stain- 
ing Wood,  Ivory,  Bone,  Tortoise-Shell,  etc.  Directions  for  Lacker- 
ing, Japanning,  and  Varnishing;  to  make  French  Polish,  Glues, 
Cements,  and  Compos-'.K  ns;  with  numerous  Receipts,  useful  to  work 
men  generally.  Bv  STOKES.  Illustrated.  A  New  Edition,  with 
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STRENGTH  AND  OTHER  PROPERTIES  OF  METALS: 
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Metals  for  Cannon.  With  a  Description  of  the  Machines  for  Testing 
Metals,  and  of  the  Classification  of  Cannon  in  service.  By  Officers 
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SULLIVAN. — Protection  to  Native  Industry. 

By  Sir  EDWARD  SULLIVAN,  Baronet,  author  of  "  Ten  Chapters  on 
Social  Reforms."  8vo. $i-5<J 

SULZ. — A  Treatise  on  Beverages  : 

Or  the  Complete  Practicnl  Bottler.  Full  instructions  for  Laboratory 
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26          HENRY  CAREY  BAIRo  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 


SYME.— Outlines  of  an  Industrial  Science. 
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TABLES      SHOWING     THE     WEIGHT      OF     ROUND, 

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TAYLOR. — Statistics  of  Coal : 

Including  Mineral  Bituminous  Substances  employed  in  Arts  and 
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MAN.  Illustrated  by  five  Maps  and  many  wood  engravings.  8vo., 
cloth $10.00 

TEMPLETON. — The  Practical  Examinator  on  Steam  and  the 

Steam -Engine: 

With  Instructive  References  relative  thereto,  arranged  for  the  Use  of 
Engineers,  Students,  and  others.  By  WILLIAM  TEMPLETON,  En- 
gineer. I2mo.  -  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $1-25 

THAUSING.— The  Theory  and  Practice  of  the  Preparation  of 

Malt  and  the  Fabrication  of  Beer: 

With  especial  reference  to  the  Vienna  Process  of  Brewing.  Elab- 
orated from  personal  experience  by  JULIUS  E.  THAUSING,  Professor 
at  the  School  for  Brewers,  and  at  the  Agricultural  Institute,  Modling, 
near  Vienna.  Translated  from  the  German  by  WILLIAM  T.  BRANNT, 
Thoroughly  and  elaborately  edited,  with  much  American  matter,  and 
according  to  the  latest  and  most  Scientific  Practice,  by  A.  SCHWARZ 
and  DR.  A.  H.  BAUER.  Illustrated  by  140  Engravings.  8vo.,  815 
pages  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  "  .  $10.00 

THOMAS. — The  Modern  Practice  of  Photography: 

By  R.  W.  THOMAS,  F.  C.  S.    8vo.  ....  75 

THOMPSON. — Political  Economy.     With  Especial  Reference 

to  the  Industrial  History  of  Nations  : 

By  ROBERT  E.  THOMPSON,  M.  A.,  Professor  of  Social  Science  in  the 
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By  ANDREW  THOMSON,  Freight  Agent.  2^mo.  .  .  $1.25 
URNER'S  (THE)  COMPANION: 

Containing  Instructions  in  Concentric,  Elliptic,  and  Eccentric  Turn, 
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TURNING  :   Specimens  of  Fancy  Turning  Executed  on  the 

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Frame.  By  an  Amateur.  Illustrated  by  30  exquisite  Photographs. 
4to. $3.00 

ETRBIN— BRULL.— A  Practical  Guide  for  Puddling  Iron  and 

Steel. 
By  ED.  URBIN,  Engineer  of  Arts  and  Manufactures.     A  Prize  Essay, 


HENRV  CAREY  BAIRB  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 


read  before  the  Association  of  Engineers,  Graduate  of  the  School  of 
Mines,  of  Liege,  Belgium,  at  the  Meeting  of  1865-6.  To  which  is 
added  A  COMPARISON  OF  THE  RESISTING  PROPERTIES  OF  IRON  AND 
STEEL.  By  A.  BRULL.  Translated  from  the  French  by  A.  A.  FES- 
QUET,  Chemist  and  Engineer.  8vo.  ....  $1.00 

VAILE.— Galvanized-Iron  Cornice-Worker's  Manual: 
Containing  Instructions  in  Laying  out  the  Different  Mitres,  and 
Making  Patterns  for  all  kinds  of  Plain  and  Circular  Work.  Also, 
Tables  of  Weights,  Areas  and  Circumferences  of  Circles,  and  other 
Matter  calculated  to  Benefit  the  Trade.  By  CHARLES  A.  VAILE. 
Illustrated  by  twenty-one  plates.  4to $5.00 

FILLE. — On  Artificial  Manures  : 

Their  Chemical  Selection  and  Scientific  Application  to  Agriculture. 
A  series  of  Lectures  given  at  the  Experimental  Farm  at  Vincennes, 
during  1867  and  1874-75.  By  M.  GEORGES  VILLE.  Translated  and 
Edited  by  WILLIAM  CROOKES,  F.  R.  S.  Illustrated  by  thirty-one 
engravings.  8vo.,  450  pages $6.00 

7ILLE. — The  School  of  Chemical  Manures  : 
Or,  Elementary  Principles  in  the  Use  of  Fertilizing  Agents.     From 
the  French  of  M.  GEO.  VILLE,  by  A.  A.  FESQUET,  Chemist  and  En- 
gineer.    With  Illustrations.     I2mo.  .         .         .         .         $1.25 

VOGDES. — The  Architect's  and  Builder's  Pocket -Companion 

and  Price-Book : 

Consisting  of  a  Short  but  Comprehensive  Epitome  of  Decimals,  Duo- 
decimals, Geometry  and  Mensuration ;  with  Tables  of  United  States 
Measures,  Sizes^  Weights,  Strengths,  etc.,  of  Iron,  Wood,  Stone, 
Brick,  Cement  and  Concretes,  Quantities  of  Materials  in  given  Sizes 
and  Dimensions  of  Wood,  Brick  and  Stone;  and  full  and  complete 
Bills  of  Prices  for  Carpenter's  Work  and  Painting;  also,  Rules  for 
Computing  and  Valuing  Brick  and  Brick  Work,  Stone  Work,  Paint- 
ing, Plastering,  with  a  Vocabulary  of  Technical  Terms,  etc.  By 
FRANK  W.  VOGDES,  Architect,  Indianapolis,  Ind.  Enlarged,  revised, 
and  corrected.  In  one  volume,  368  pages,  full-bound,  pocket-book 

form,  gilt  edges #2.00 

Cloth         .  1.50 

^AHL. — Galvanoplastic  Manipulations  : 

A  Practical  Guide  for  the  Gold  and  Silver  Electroplater  and  the  Gal- 
vanoplastic Operator.  Comprising  the  Electro-Deposition  of  all 
Metals  by  means  of  the  Battery  and  the  Dynamo-Electric  Machine, 
as  well  as  the  most  approved  Processes  of  Deposition  by  Simple  Im- 
mersion, with  Descriptions  of  Apparatus,  Chemical  Products  employed 
in  the  Art,  etc.  Based  largely  on  the  "  Manipulations  Hydroplas- 
fcques"  of  ALFRED  ROSELEUR.  By  WILLIAM  H.  WAHL,  Ph.  D. 
(  Heid),  Secretary  of  the  Franklin  Institute.  Illustrated  by  189  et-  . 

gravings.     8vo.,  656  pages 

WALTON.— Coal-Mining  Described  and  Illustrated  : 
By  THOMAS  H.  WALTON,  Mining  Engineer.     Illustrated  by  24  large 
and  elaborate  Plates,  after  Actual  Workings  and  Apparatus.  $5.00 


38         HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE., 


WARE. — The  Sugar  Beet. 

\  Including  a  History  of  the  Beet  Sugar  Industry  in  Europe,  Varieties 
of  the  Sugar  Beet,  Examination,  Soils,  Tillage,  Seeds  and  Sowing^ 
Yield  and  Cost  of  Cultivation,  Harvesting,  Transportation,  Conserva- 
tion, Feeding  Qualities  of  the  Beet  and  of  the  Pulp,  etc.  By  LEWU 
S.  WARE,  C.  E.,  M.  E.  Illustrated  by  ninety  engravings.  8vo. 

I4.0Q 

WARN.— The  Sheet-Metal  Worker's  Instructor: 
For  Zinc,  Sheet-Iron,  Copper,  and  Tin-Plate  Workers,  etc.  Contain- 
ing a  selection  of  Geometrical  Problems ;  also,  Practical  and  Simple 
Rules  for  Describing  the  various  Patterns  required  in  the  different 
branches  of  the  above  Trades.  By  REUBEN  H.  WARN,  Practical 
Tin-Plate  Worker.  To  which  is  added  an  Appendix,  containing 
Instructions  for  Boiler-Making,  Mensuration  of  Surfaces  and  Solids, 
Rules  for  Calculating  the  Weights  of  different  Figures  of  Iron  and 
Steel,  Tables  of  the  Weights  of  Iron,  Steel,  etc.  Illustrated  by  thirty- 
two  Plates  and  thirty-seven  Wood  Engravings.  8vo.  .  $3.00 

VARNER. — New  Theorems,  Tables,  and  Diagrams,  for  the 

Computation  of  Earth-work : 

Designed  for  the  use  of  Engineers  in  Preliminary  and  Final  Estimates 
of  Students  in  Engineering,  and  of  Contractors  and  other  non-profes. 
sional  Computers.  In  two  parts,  with  an  Appendix.  Part  I.  A  Prac- 
tical Treatise;  Part  II.  A  Theoretical  Treatise,  and  the  Appendix. 
Containing  Notes  to  the  Rules  and  Examples  of  Part  I.;  Explana- 
tions  of  the  Construction  of  Scales,  Tables,  and  Diagrams,  and  a 
Treatise  upon  Equivalent  Square  Bases  and  Equivalent  Level  Heights. 
The  whole  illustrated  by  numerous  original  engravings,  comprising 
explanatory  cuts  for  Definitions  and  Problems,  Stereometric  Scales 
and  Diagrams,  and  a  series  of  Lithographic  Drawings  from  Models : 
Showing  all  the  Combinations  of  Solid  Forms  which  occur  in  Railroad 
Excavations  and  Embankments.  By  JOHN  WARNER,  A.  M.,  Mining 
and  Mechanical  Engineer.  Illustrated  by  14  Plates.  A  new,  revised 
and  improved  edition.  8vo.  ......  $4.00 

WATSON.— A  Manual  of  the  Hand-Lathe  : 

Comprising  Concise  Directions  for  Working  Metals  of  all  kinds, 
Ivory,  Bone  and  Precious  Woods;  Dyeing,  Coloring,  and  French 
Polishing;  Inlaying  by  Veneers,  and  various  methods  practised  to 
produce  Elaborate  work  with  Dispatch,  and  at  Small  Expense.  By 
EGBERT  P.  WATSON,  Author  of  "  The  Modern  Practice  of  American 
Machinists  and  Engineers."  Illustrated  by  78  engravings.  $1.50 

WATSON. — The  Modern  Practice  of  American  Machinists  and 
Engineers  : 

Including  the  Construction,  Application,  and  Use  of  Drills,  Lathe 
Tools,  Cutters  for  Boring  Cylinders,  and  Hollow-work  generally,  with 
the  most  Economical  Speed  for  the  same  ;  the  Results  verified  by 
Actual  Practice  at  the  Lathe,  the  Vise,  and  on  the  Floor.  Together 


HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE.          29 

with  Work«Kap  Management,  Economy  of  Manufacture,  the  Steam 
Engine,  Boilers,  Gears,  Belting,  etc.,  etc.  By  EGBERT  P.  WATSON. 
Illustrated  by  eighty-six  engravings.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $2.$$ 

f^ATSON. — The  Theory  and  Practice  of  the  Art  of  Weaving 

by  Hand  and  Power  • 

With  Calculations  and  Tables  for  ihe  Use  of  those  connected  with  the 
Trade.  By  JOHN  WATSON,  Manufacturer  and  Practical  Machine- 
Maker.  Illustrated  by  large  Drawings  of  the  best  Power  Looms. 
8vo.  .  $7.50 

WATT.— The  Art  of  Soap  Making : 

A  Practical  Hand-book  of  the  Manufactuie  of  Hard  and  Soft  Soaps, 
Toilet  Soaps,  etc.,  including  many  New  Processes,  and  a  Chapter  on 
the  Recovery  of  Glycerine  from  Waste  Leys.  By  ALEXANDER 
WATT.  111.  I2mo $3.00 

WE ATHERLY.— Treatise  on  the  Art  of  Boiling  Sugar,  Crys- 
tallizing, Lozenge-making,  Comfits,  Gum  Goods, 
And  other  processes  for  Confectionery,  etc.,  in  which  are  explained, 
in  an  easy  and  familiar  manner,  the  various  Methods  of  Manufactur* 
ing  every  Description  of  Raw  and  Refined  Sugar  Goods,  as  sold  by 
Confectioners  and  others.  I2mo.  .  .  .  .  $1.50 

WIGHTWICK.— Hints  to  Young  Architects: 
Comprising  Advice  to  those  who,  while  yet  at  school,  are  destined 
to  the  Profession;  to  such  as,  having  passed  their  pupilage,  are  about 
to  travel ;  and  to  those  who,  having  completed  their  education,  are 
about  to  practise.  Together  with  a  Model  Specification  involvh.g  * 
great  variety  of  instructive  and  suggestive  matter.  By  GEORGE 
\VIGHTWICK,  Architect.  A  new  edition,  revised  and  considerably 
enlarged;  comprising  Treatises  on  the  Principles  of  Construction 
and  Design.  By  G.  HusKfssoN  GUILLAUME,  Architect.  Numerous 
illustrations.  One  vol.  I2mo £2.00 

?V  ILL,— Tables  of  Qualitative  Chemical  Analysis. 
With  an  Introductory  Chapter  on  tlie  Course  of  Analysis.  By  Pro- 
fessor HEINRICH  WILL,  of  Giessen,  Germany.  Third  American, 
from  the  eleventh  German  edition.  Edited  by  CHARLES  F.  HIMES 
Ph.  D.,  Professor  of  Natural  Science,  Dickinson  College,  Carlisle,  Pa 
8vo.  .  .  .  •  . $i-5<J 

WILLIAMS.— On  Heat  and  Steam  : 

Embracing  New  Views  of  Vaporization,  Condensation,  and  Expli> 
sion.  By  CHARLES  WYE  WILLIAMS,  A.  I.  C.  E.  Illustrated  8vo. 

$3  5° 

WILSON.— A  Treatise  on  Steam  Boilers  : 
Their  Strength,  Construction,  and  Economical  Working.    By  RoBER'f 
WILSON.     Illustrated  I2mo $2.cc 

WILSON. — First  Principles  of  Political  Economy  : 
With   Reference  to  Statesmanship  and  the  Progress  of  Civilization. 
Jty  Professor  W.  I).  WILSON,  of  the  Cornell  University.     A  new  and 
revised  edition.    121110.       .         .         .         .         .         .         .         $1.50 


30        HENRY   CAREY   BAIRD   &    CO.'S  CATALOGUE. 

WOHLER.— A  Hand-Book  of  Mineral  Analysis  : 

By  F.  WOHLER,  Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the  University  of  Gottin- 
gen.  Edited  by  HENRY  B.  NASON,  Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the 
Renssalaer  Polytechnic  Institute,  Troy,  New  York.  Illustrated. 
I2ino $3-OO 

WORSSAM.— On  Mechanical  Saws  : 

From  the  Transactions  of  the  Society  of  Engineers,  1869.  By  S.  W. 
WORSSAM,  JR.  Illustrated  by  eighteen  large  plates.  8vo.  $2.50 


RECENT   ADDITIONS. 

ANDERSON. — The  Prospector's  Hand-Book: 

A  Guide  for  the  Prospector  and  Traveler  in  Search  of  Metal  Bearing 
or  other  Valuable  Minerals.  By  J.  W.  ANDERSON.  52  Illustrations. 
I2mo .  .  .  $1.50 

BEAUMONT.— Woollen  and  Worsted  Cloth  Manufacture: 
Being  a  Practical  Treatise  for  the  use  of  all  persons  employed  in  the 
manipulation  of  Textile  Fabrics.     By  ROBERT  BEAUMONT,  M.  S.  A. 
With   over    200    illustrations,   including    Sketches    of    Machinery, 
Designs,  Cloths,  etc.     391  pp.     I2mo $2.50 

BRANNT.— The  Metallic  Alloys  : 

A  Practical  Guide  for  the  Manufacture  of  all  kinds  of  Alloys,  Amal- 
gams and  Solders  used  by  Metal  Worked,  especially  by  Bell  Founders, 
Bronze  Workers,  Tinsmiths,  Gold  and  Silver  Workers,  Dentists,  etc., 
etc.,  as  well  as  their  Chemical  and  Physical  Properties.  Edited 
chiefly  from  the  German  of  A.  Krupp  and  Andreas  Wildberger,  with 
additions  by  WM.  T.  BRANNT.  illustrated.  I2mo.  $3.00 

BRANNT. — A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Manufacture  of  Vine- 
gar and  Acetates,  Cider,  and  Fruit-Wines  : 
Preservation  of  Fruits  and  Vegetables  by  Canning  and  Evaporation; 
Preparation  of  Fruit-Butters,  Jellies,  Marmalades,  Catchups,  Pickles, 
Mustards,  etc.  Edited  from  various  sources.  By  WILLIAM  T. 
BRANNT.  Illustrated  by  79  Engravings.  479  pp.  8vo.  $5.00 

BRANNT.— The  Metal  Worker's    Handy-Book   of  Receipts 

and  Processes : 

Being  a  Collection  of  Chemical  Formulas  and  Practical  Manipula- 
tions for  the  working  of  all  Metals;  including  the  Decoration  and 
Beautifying  of  Articles  Manufactured  therefrom,  as  well  as  their 
Preservation.  Edited  from  various  sources.  By  WILLIAM  T. 
BRANNT.  Illustrated.  I2mo.  $2.50 


HENRY  CAREY  BAIRD  &  CO.'S  CATALOGUE,       31 


OAVIS. A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Manufacture  of  Bricks, 

Tiles,  Terra-Cotta,  etc. : 

Including  Hand- Made,  Dry  Clay,-  Tempered  Clay,  Soft-Mud,  and 
Stiff-Clay  Bricks,  also  Front,  Hand-Pressed,  Steam-Pressed,  Re- 
pressed, Ornamentally  Shaped  and  Enamelled  Bricks,  Drain  Tiles, 
Straight  and  Curved  Sewer  and  Water-Pipes,  Fire-Clays,  Fire-Bricks, 
Glass  Pots,  Terra-Cotta,  Roofing  Tiles,  Flooring  Tiles,  Art  Tiles, 
etc.  By  CHARLES  THOMAS  DAVIS.  Second  Edition.  217  Engrav- 
ings. 501  pp.  8vo $5.00. 

EDWARDS. — American    Marine  Engineer,    Theoretical   and 

Practical  : 

With  Examples  of  the  latest  and  most  approved  American  Practice. 
By  EMORY  EDWARDS.  85  illustrations.  i2mo.  .  .  $2.50 

EDWARDS. — 600    Examination   Questions  and  Answers: 

For  Engineers  and  Firemen  (Land  and  Marine)  who  desire  to  ob- 
tain a  United  States  Government  or  State  License.  Pocket-book 

form,  gilt  edge $1.50 

POSSELT. — Technology  of  Textile  Design  : 

Being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Construction  and  Application  of 
Weaves  for  all  Textile  Fabrics,  with  minute  reference  to  the  latest 
Inventions  for  Weaving.  Containing  also  an  Appendix,  showing 
the  Analysis  and  giving  the  Calculations  necessary  for  the  Manufac- 
ture of  the  various  Textile  Fabrics.  By  E.  A.  POSSELT,  Head 
Master  Textile  Department,  Pennsylvania  Museum  and  School  of 
Industrial  Art,  Philadelphia,  with  over  1000  illustrations.  292 
pages.  410.  . $5-OO 

POSSELT.— The  Jacquard  Machine  Analysed  and  Explained: 

With  an  Appendix  on  the  Preparation  of  Jacquard  Cards,  and 
Practical  Hints  to  Learners  of  Jacquard  Designing.  By  E.  A. 
POSSELT.  With  230  illustrations  and  numerous  diagrams.  127  pp. 
4to- $3-00 

RICH.— Artistic  Horse-Shoeing: 

A  Practical  and  Scientific  Treatise,  giving  Improved  Methods  of 
Shoeing,  with  Special  Directions  for  Shaping  Shoes  to  Cure  Different 
Diseases  of  the  Foot,  and  for  the  Correction  of  Faulty  Action  in 
Trotters.  By  GEORGE  E.  RICH.  62  Illustrations.  153  pages. 
I2mo #i.oo 

RICHARDSON.— Practical  Blacksmithing  : 

A  Collection  of  Articles  Contributed  at  Different  Times  by  Skilled 
Workmen  to  the  columns  of  "  The  Blacksmith  and  Wheelwright," 
and  Covering  nearly  the  Whole  Range  of  Blacksmithing,  from  the 
Simplest  Job  of  Work  to  some  of  the  Most  Complex  Forgings. 
Compiled  and  Edited  by  M.  T.  RICHARDSON. 
Vol.1.  210  Illustrations.  224  pp.  I2mo.  .  .  .  $1.00 
Vol.  II.  230  Illustrations.  262  pages.  I2mo.  .  .  JU.OO 


32       HENRY   CAREY   BAIRD   &   CO.'S   CATALOGUE. 


RICHARDSON —The  Practical  Horseshoer: 

Being  a  Collection  of  Articles  on  Horseshoeing  in  all  its  Branchei 
which  have  appeared  from  time  to  time  in  the  columns  of  "  The 
Blacksmith  and  Wheelwright,"  etc.  Compiled  and  edited  by  M.  T. 
RICHARDSON.  174  illustrations.  .....  $1.00 

ROPER.— Instructions    and    Suggestions    for   Engineers   and 

Firemen : 
By  STEPHEN   ROPER,   Engineer.     i8mo.     Morocco         .         $2.00 

ROPER.— The  Steam  Boiler:  Its  Care  and  Management: 
By  STEPHEN  ROPER,  Engineer.     i2mo.,  tuck,  gilt  edges.         $2.00 

ROPER.— The  Young  Engineer's  Own  Book: 

Containing  an  Explanation  of  the  Principle  and  Theories  on  which 
the  Steam  Engine  as  a  Prime  Mover  is  Based.  By  STEPHEN  ROPER, 
Engineer.  1 60  illustrations,  363  pages.  i8mo.,  tuck  .  #3.00 

ROSE. — Modern  Steam  -  Engines : 

An  Elementary  Treatise  upon  the  Steam-Engine,  written  in  Plain 
language ;  for  Use  in  the  Workshop' as  well  as  in  the  Drawing  Office. 
Giving  Full  Explanations  of  the  Construction  of  Modern  Stearrw 
Engines  :  Including  Diagrams  showing  their  Actual  operation.  To- 
gether with  Complete  but  Simple  Explanations  of  the  operations  of 
Various  Kinds  of  Valves,  Valve  Motions,  and  Link  Motions,  etc., 
thereby  Enabling  the  Ordinary  Engineer  to  clearly  Understand  the 
Principles  Involved  in  their  Construction  and  Use,  and  to  Plot  out 
their  Movements  upon  the  Drawing  Board.  By  JOSHUA  ROSE.  M.  E. 
Illustrated  by  422  engravings.  410.,  320  pages  .  .  $6.00 

ROSE. — Steam  Boilers: 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  Boiler  Construction  and  Examination,  for  the 
Use  of  Practical  Boiler  Makers,  Boiler  Users,  and  Inspectors;  and 
embracing  in  plain  figures  all  the  calculations  necessary  in  Designing 
or  Classifying  Steam  Boilers.  By  JOSHUA  ROSE,  M.  E.  Illustrated 
by  73  engravings.  250  pages.  8vo.  .  .  .  .  $2.150 

SCHRIBER.—  The  Complete  Carriage  and  Wagon  Painter: 
A  Concise  Compendium  of  the  Art  of  Painting  Carriages,  Wagons, 
and  Sleighs,  embracing  Full  Directions  in  all  the  Various  Branches, 
including  Lettering,  Scrolling,  Ornamenting,  Striping,  Varnishing, 
and  Coloring,  with  nurnero  ;s  Recipes  for  Mixing  Colors.  73  Illus- 
trations. 177  pp.  I2mo.  .  .  .  .  .  .  £i.oc 

VAN  CLEVE. — The  English  and  American  Mechanic : 

Comprising  a  Collection  of  Over  Three  Thousand  Receipts,  Rules, 
and  Tables,  designed  for  the  Use  of  every  Mechanic  and  Manufac- 
turer. By  B.  FRANK  VAN  CLEVE.  Illustrated.  500  pp.  I2ino.  #2.00 

WAHNSCHAFFE.— A  Guide  to  the  Scientific  Examination  of 
Soils  : 

Comprising  Select  Methods  of  Mechanical  and  Chemical  Analysis 
and  Physical  Investigation.  Translated  from  the  German  of  Dr.  F. 
WAHNSCHAFFE.  With  additions  by  WILLIAM  T.  BRAN  NT.  Illus- 
trated by  25  engravings.  121110.  177  pages  .  .  .  $1.50 


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